Vet gives dog owners 60-day warning ahead of weekend heat

As forecasters predict a hot spell this weekend, vets are alerting dog owners to the risks of heat for their furry friends

The Met Office reports that parts of Scotland will see hot 22C temperatures on Saturday (May 10). As a result, Dr Caroline Goulton from Guide Dogs has offered her professional insight on how to ensure pooches remain safe and comfortable in the anticipated heatwave.

While the sunshine is a warm welcome after months of turbulent weather, many will be welcoming the heat, but this may not be the case for our furry friends. High heat can make dogs uncomfortable and can even lead to health issues, as it can take up to two months for dogs to get used to the heat.

The qualified veterinarian cautioned: "We need to be aware of the effects of heat sooner than you might expect. If the temperature is above 20 degrees centigrade, be aware of the impact the warm weather might have on your dog.

"When the mercury reaches 25 degrees, great care should be taken to prevent dogs from getting too hot and risking heatstroke. It can take up to 60 days for a dog to acclimatise to an environmental weather change."

Emphasising the importance of preparation, she added: "This is a crucial point to consider when the days start getting hotter. Your dog won't be able to adjust as quickly as you (they won't be able to change their wardrobe) and cannot control their temperature very well."

Dr Goulton explained the initial warning sign: "The first sign of this will be panting, which dogs use to cool down because they can't sweat. Individual dogs will respond differently to the heat because of age, fitness, health and how used they are to the conditions, but all dogs rely on us to protect them from the effects of the sun."

Read below to learn the signs that your dog may be too hot, as reported by Wales Online.

The key signs of heat stroke in dogs to look out for

Your dog may be suffering heat stroke if they exhibit the following:

• Excessive panting

• Excessive drinking

• Sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea

• Collapse

• High temperature

• Convulsions and seizures

Dr Goulton also outlined the key indicators of heatstroke that pet owners should watch for. "Even if you feel your dog is suffering from heat stroke or is too hot, you should never dunk or immerse them in cold water or hose them off.

"Cool them by spraying them with room temperature water (showers) or by wetting their coat with damp towels. Don't leave the towels covering them, though and offer plenty of cool drinking water."

Take extra care if your dog is:

• A flat-faced breed, such as a bulldog or pug.

• Obese.

• Very young or old.

• Has a lot of dark fur.

• Suffering from any health conditions.

How to keep your dog cool in hot weather

There are many things you can do to make sure your dog doesn't get too hot in warmer weather, which include:

• Only walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening).

• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

• Provide plenty of shade and water for your dog to access when they are outdoors.

• Never leave your dog in a hot car.

• Be aware of the signs of heatstroke in dogs, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, and seizures. If you think your dog is suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary attention immediately.

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