Temperatures in London are set to rise to a scorching 34C this afternoon (Tuesday, July 1) and if you’re lucky enough to have a beloved pooch, it’s essential that you be clued up on dog walking in hot weather.
As the weather improves and Londoners spend more time out in beer gardens, the chance of heatstroke in dogs only increases as they struggle to deal with higher temperatures.
Dogs can overheat incredibly quickly with the possibility of fatal heatstroke occurring in as little as 15 minutes. Most cases (75%) of heatstroke are caused by over-exercising on hot days and occur most often between May and August.
So when exactly is it too hot to walk your dog outside and what are the tell-tale signs to check if heatstroke might be setting in.
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
Heatstroke can happen at any time of the year and certain factors place specific dogs at higher risk. Most dogs are comfortable at temperatures ranging from between 15C to 25C.
Dogs which are overweight, flat-faced, older, bigger, have health problems or longer fur are more at risk. Breeds with longer and thicker fur or which run around more are also more likely to overheat.
Dog breeds which are particularly at risk include Chow Chows, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Dogue de Bordeauxs, Greyhounds, Boxers, English Springer Spaniels, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, Golden Retrievers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, says the Kennel Club.
It is also important to be especially careful when travelling in the car with dogs in hot weather. Temperatures can reach far higher within vehicles than they are outside.
What are the signs of heatstroke?
A dog’s temperature will normally be around 37-39C but when this rises above 41C they will start to show signs of heatstroke. These include heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, collapsing and vomiting.
The hotter a dog becomes and the longer their temperature stays high the more damage that is done to their tissue and organs.
What to do if you think your dog has heatstroke?
If you think your dog might have heatstroke it is best to call your vet while trying to call them down. You can do this by stopping your dog from exercising and moving them into the shade.
Lying them on a cool floor and pouring water over their body, especially their neck tummy and inner thighs can cool them down. Do this until breathing returns to normal and offer them small amounts of water to drink.
If it’s possible to put them near a fan or in an air-conditioned room this can also help, say The Kennel Club. Mild cases of heatstroke where the owner has cooled down the dog and taken them to the vet will normally make a full recovery but if treatment is delayed or it is more serious then the outcomes are worse.
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