Dogs Trust Salisbury warns owners about walking their pets in heat

Dogs Trust Salisbury has urged owners to keep their pets inside during the peak of the heatwave as the UK Health Security Agency issued yellow heat alerts across the country.

With temperatures set to reach 30 degrees Celsius in part of the UK, the charity warned that exercising dogs in warm weather can lead to severe health problems in our canine companions.

Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken in hot weather.

Dogs should not be walked during the hottest parts of the day. (Image: Dogs Trust Salisbury)

If dogs are too hot and can’t sufficiently reduce their body temperature by panting, they may develop heatstroke which can be fatal.

Brachycephalic, or “flat-faced”, breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, are especially vulnerable in hot weather.

Signs of heatstroke include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapsing.

What to do if your dog is experiencing heatstroke

• Act immediately - cool first, transport second.

• Stop them from playing and move them to a shaded and cool area.

• Immerse young, conscious, healthy dogs in cold water. Continuous dousing is an alternative.
• Older dogs should be sprayed with room temperature water.
• Don't place a wet towel over your dog as this can raise their temperature.
• Call your vet urgently or your nearest vet immediately if your dog collapses or is struggling to breathe.

Dogs Trust also advises that dogs should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal. As dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.  

If you see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999 immediately.

Read more: PHOTOS: Emergency services arrive after car crashes into building

Paula Boyden, veterinary director of Dogs Trust, says:  “Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken. As owners, we need to know the signs that our dogs are getting too hot and help them take a rest and cool down when they need to.

"Some dogs aren’t good at self-regulating and may continue to run and play even though they’re hot and tired, which increases their risk of heatstroke.

“If you do spot the signs of heatstroke in your dog, take steps to cool them down and contact your vet immediately.”