Prevent heatstroke in this hot weather!

Keep your dog cool and prevent heatstroke in this hot weather!

dog with big ears and fan – Make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times, ideally a large bowl filled to the brim. Carry water and a bowl with you on walks.

– On hot days, walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day, in the early morning and late evening

– Watch your pet for signs of over-heating, including heavy panting and loss of energy. If you recognise these signs when on a walk, stop, find a shady spot and give your dog water.

– Never leave your dog (or any pet) alone in a car, even with the windows open

– Make cooling tasty treats by making ice cubes with your dog’s favourite food inside or stuff a Kong and pop it in the freezer

– Be particularly careful with short nosed dogs such as bull breeds, boxers, pugs, older dogs, and those that are overweight.

These dogs can get heatstroke simply by running around – keep a fan handy in the room that your flat – nosed pet sleeps in to help with evaporation from all their panting!

HOT WEATHER WARNING! Keep your pet’s paws safe this summer with this simple rule. Take your shoes and socks off and stand on the path for five seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it will be for your dog too, so it’s not safe to walk until it’s cooler.

Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat through their skin and so they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paw pads and noses to keep cool. Walk them during early mornings and evenings to prevent fatal heatstroke.

Please spread the word!