Warning to all dog owners as UK braced for 29C heatwave this week

As the UK is set to bask in temperatures reaching up to 29C this week, dog owners are being urged to be aware of the risks the heat can pose to their pets.

Animal Friends Pet Insurance has teamed up with Dr Samantha Webster, a vet at Joii, to provide some essential advice for keeping dogs safe in the sun. Dr Webster warns: "Although thick coats of fur do block sun rays to a certain degree, the skin underneath is still prone to sunburn. Those areas that aren't protected by a thick layer of fur, such as the nose, ear tips or stomach, are even more vulnerable."

She further explains that some breeds are more susceptible to sunburn than others, including white dogs or those with thin coats like Staffordshire Bull Terriers. To prevent sunburn, she advises applying pet-friendly sun cream to your dog's exposed areas and limiting their time in direct sunlight.

If you're unsure about which sun cream to use, it's always best to consult with your vet.

Dr Webster also suggests using a cold compress to soothe any pinkness or soreness after a day in the sun. However, if your pet shows signs of severe sunburn, such as redness, blisters or crusty sores, immediate veterinary treatment is necessary.

"Sunstroke happens when a dog or pet is unable to effectively regulate their body temperature. Unlike humans, they are only able to sweat through their paws rather than their entire body, so they also expel heat by panting. It becomes harder for the dog to cool down by panting when they are drawing in warmer air than they are releasing. Their fur coats add to this problem by retaining heat and preventing heat loss," she explained.

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"Your dog is most at risk of sunstroke when exercising on hot days. If your dog is experiencing sunstroke, there are some clear tell-tale signs to look out for. These include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, shaking and vomiting. If your dog is showing any of these signs you should act immediately. Begin by taking them to a shaded area so they can start to cool down. Place cool, wet towels over their body, paying particular attention to the neck, armpits and between the hind legs. You can also wet their ears and paw pads with cool (not ice-cold) water."

"Ensure your pet has access to water but don't allow them to drink too quickly as there is a risk they may inhale it. If they won't drink, keep their tongue wet by putting water on it carefully. The most important thing to remember is to never give ice to a dog suffering from sunstroke, as this can cause their system to go into shock. Once you've followed these first aid steps, take them to a vet as quickly as possible to seek expert advice."

"Once temperatures reach 24C, sunstroke becomes a high possibility and extreme caution should be taken, particularly with large, very young or flat-faced dogs. At 28C, the heat becomes dangerous for all dogs but life-threatening for larger breeds, puppies or flat-faced dogs again. You should never walk a dog or allow a dog to sit in the sun once it becomes 32C or hotter as at this temperature, sunstroke is a major risk for all dogs regardless of condition, size or breed."

"Dehydration in dogs can happen easily, especially during the warmer summer months - especially whilst on walks. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, lethargy, loss of appetite, weak pulse, a dry mouth and collapsing," she went on.

"You can test your dog for dehydration by checking for a "skin tent". Use your thumb and forefinger to pinch a little skin on the back of their neck, then let go. If they are well hydrated, the skin should spring back as soon as you release it. As your pet gets dehydrated, it will move back into place more slowly. In the most severe cases of dehydration, it does not spring back at all. This test can be tricky in older animals, those with thick or long-hair coats or breeds with excessive skin folds. If you are unsure if your dog is hydrated, speak to your vet."

"To avoid this common problem, provide plenty of cool water around different areas of your home. A dog should drink on average around 50 to 60ml of water per kg of body weight each day, but this will vary depending on breed, size and condition. For example, a 25kg dog should be drinking 1.25-1.5L per day. If your dog is left outside for any period of time, make sure it has access to shade and water. If supervised, a shallow paddling pool can also be a great way to help your dog cool off in the heat."

"If walking your dog for any length of time in the sun, always bring water and remember to take frequent breaks in shaded areas to prevent avoidable dehydration."