Keep your dog safe this summer

As temperatures soar across Wales this summer, dog owners need to take urgent action to protect their pets from potentially fatal heat-related dangers. We’ve teamed up with Dogs Trust who have issued critical hot weather safety advice to help Welsh pet owners keep their beloved companions safe during the hottest days of the year.

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, Dogs Trust, the nation’s largest dog welfare charity, is warning owners that exercising dogs in warm weather can lead to severe health problems in our canine companions and that there is no safe amount of time to leave dogs alone in a car during hot weather.

The danger of heatstroke

Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans. They can overheat in all temperatures, so extra care needs to be taken during warm weather. If dogs are too hot and can’t sufficiently reduce their body temperature by panting, they may develop heatstroke, which can be fatal. 

Heatstroke can affect any type of dog, but certain breeds and types of dogs are at increased risk, including brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with pre-existing medical conditions.

Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting that eases with rest (this can look like “smiling”), laboured breathing, including breathing with their tummy, being lethargic and drowsy, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapsing.

If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately. They can advise if your dog is suffering from heatstroke and what to do. Meanwhile, here are some things you can do to help cool your dog down if you notice them showing signs of heatstroke: 

• Stop – cease any activity.

• Shade – move your dog to the shade and offer them water.

• Cool – soak their body with cold water, DO NOT use water-soaked towels. Place them in the breeze of a fan or an air-conditioned room.

• Transport – take them to the vet.

Hot cars are a real danger

The temperature inside a car can rise to dangerously high levels in just a few minutes, leading to any dogs inside the car suffering with heatstroke. In some cases, heatstroke can lead to the death of the dog.

Dogs Trust has shared its Dogs Die in Hot Cars video highlighting the issue of leaving dogs in cars on hot days. If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises you to call 999. 

Dogs Trust has additionally issued the following advice to support dog owners during this period of hot weather:

• Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day, so early morning or later in the evening is often best. If it's still hot at these times, skip the walk and provide enrichment activities inside instead.

• Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog, and make sure they have access to shade and fresh water at all times.

• Know the early signs of heatstroke, which include panting, difficulty breathing, tiredness, your dog being less keen to play, drooling, and vomiting. Learn how to provide cooling first aid.    

• Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws. If it’s too hot for your hands, then it’s too hot for their paws. If you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the car on a hot day, even if travelling a short distance, avoid the hottest times of the day.   

• Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Not even with the window open. (Leaving your pet alone in a vehicle or tied up outside can also put them at greater risk of being stolen.)    

• Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on if they wish.    

• Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.   

• Don’t let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.

Find out more about how to keep your dog safe this summer.