Dog dies after being taken for a walk during heatwave as RSPCA issues weather warning to pet owners
A previously healthy dog has died after being taken for a walk in the hot weather, the RSPCA has said.
The charity has issued a warning to pet owners about the dangers of activity in the current high temperatures in Britain.
The dog, which was five years old, died at the weekend in the north west of England.
Conditions have been extremely difficult for dogs across the UK, as temperatures went past 30C.
RSPCA Altrincham Cheshire said: “This morning we were informed a local dog died of heatstroke after being taken on a walk at 9am when the temperature was 21C.
“The dog was otherwise fit and healthy.
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“Despite lots of warnings about the heat we still see dogs being walked to the shops, on the school run, or as soon as owners get in from work.
“We do understand the crucial nature of walking your dog. However, please bear in mind that walking in high temperatures can cause serious and irreversible damage, and in some cases death.
“Yesterday the highest temperature for the day was at 4pm but this is when most of the dogs we spotted were out and about.
“It does not matter if your dog is white, young, not a bull breed or ‘used to the heat’. Please be mindful of its needs.”
The RSPCA said it received 729 calls about animals being left in hot environments between Monday and Thursday last week.
It said dog owners should look out for signs of heatstroke, such as their animals panting excessively, staggering or having seizures.
The RSPCA said dogs suffering from heatstroke should be taken to a cool shady spot and a vet should be called immediately.