Oct 3, 2024 10:19:59 PM
#heatwaveuk
As the weather heats up this week and next, it's important to remain aware of how the heat affects your dog. Heat exhaustion in dogs can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest. To help keep your dog safe and cool during the heatwave, here are our top tips for keeping them cool.
Unlike people, dogs do not sweat out excess body heat. Whilst dogs have a few sweat glands located in their paws, these do little to help regulate their body temperature. Instead they will pant. But sometimes in excessive periods of high heat panting is not enough to keep them from getting overheated.
You can help keep your dog from overheating with some basic precautions. These include limiting exercise or outdoor activity on excessively hot days, providing plenty of shade and water when your dog is outdoors, and never, under any circumstances, leaving your dog in a parked car—not even in the shade with the windows rolled down. Even on a normal day the inside of a parked car can reach 120 degrees in minutes, making this an extremely dangerous environment to leave your dog. Please make alternative arrangements for your dog so they do not have to stay in the car.
If your dog has energy to burn, take them swimming or let him run and play in the sprinkler or a child’s paddling pool.
Additionally, if you do take your dog for a walk it might be better to take him during the cooler hours of the day (do keep in mind hot pavements can burn his paw pads). Be sure to keep water with you and let him take a break in the shade and have a drink as often as required.
Do make sure working dogs are given plenty of breaks to rest in the shade and that they are always well-hydrated.
It is not difficult to spot signs of overheating in dogs. Excessive panting is the first symptom. A dangerously overheated dog may then collapse or experience convulsions, exhibit vomiting or diarrhoea, and may also have gums or a tongue that turn blue or bright red. But you will want to identify the problem before it gets that severe so you can intervene and prevent serious overheating. Early potential heat stroke signs include:
While all dogs are at risk for overheating in a heatwave, some breeds are more prone to it than others. This includes dogs with thick coats, very young or very old dogs, and brachycephalic breeds. Overweight dogs and those that suffer from medical conditions that cause difficulty breathing or heart problems are especially susceptible.
In this current heat all dogs are at increased risk of overheating if they are not given adequate shade or a cooler place to relax indoors. And dogs left in a hot car are in danger of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death within minutes.
At the first sign of overheating, immediately take action to cool down your dog:
Back
Halloween approaches with its festive decorations, spooky costumes, and sweet treats. While humans eagerly anticipate the holiday, it can be a challenging time for our four-legged friends. From unfamiliar sights and sounds to potentially dangerous treats, Halloween can pose various risks to our beloved dogs.
While it might be tempting to dress up your dog in a cute or funny costume, always prioritize their comfort and well-being. Ensure that the costume is not restrictive, does not impede movement, and does not have small parts that could be swallowed. Allow your dog to become accustomed to the costume before the actual event, and keep a close eye on them while they're wearing it.
A Pledge to Paws and Principles
Dogs have long been cherished companions, confidants, and sources of unconditional love for millions of people around the world. These faithful friends offer not only emotional support but also contribute significantly to our overall well-being. However, the joys of having a canine companion come with great responsibilities. Responsible dog ownership is not just a choice; it's an obligation we owe to our four-legged friends, our communities, and ourselves. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of responsible dog ownership and highlight the numerous benefits it brings to our lives.
You have a dog that has no appetite, is fussy and finicky with his food and you are fed up of trying every dog food brand under the sun. Here are our top tips for encouraging a better feeding regime
The many benefits of dog walking are well documented and regular walks form part of our daily routine. But it is really easy to get into an unthinking pattern of where and how we walk our dogs. There are lots of adventures to be had out there with our canine companions so why not try something new?