We all know that we shouldn’t keep dogs in cars in hot weather.
We also know that we have to be careful about exposing our dogs to too much sun during a heatwave, not to walk them at the hottest times of the day, and even to think about protection for their skin.
But what about when your dog is inside and your house or flat is heating up like a furnace?
If you’ve been struggling to sleep, relax or basically even just exist in this heat, spare a thought for your dog.
Keeping them inside and out of the direct sun is a good idea, but you do have to think about making sure your pup doesn’t overheat in a warm home.
Dr Scott Miller, BVSc MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and spokesperson for Dogtastic, has shared his top tips for keeping your four-legged friend comfortable in the heat, and the warning signs to look out for.
‘Dogs don’t sweat out excess body heat like humans as they typically release heat by panting, however this may not always be enough for them to cool down, especially during the hotter months,’ Dr Miller tells Metro.co.uk.
‘As a result, they may become overheated.
‘Fortunately, it is relatively straightforward to detect the signs that your dog is overheating. If your dog is becoming distressed due to the current heatwave, you may start to notice symptoms such as:
- Excessive panting and short of breath
- Excessive drooling
- Walking in circles
- Changes in gum colour or tongue (bright or dark red)
- Stumbling or unable to stand
- Vomiting or collapsing’
Dr Miller says that if you begin to recognise signs of overheating, immediately move your dog into the shade, offering them cool water to drink and pouring it over them.
‘If there is a water source, allow them to stand in it which allows them to release heat via the pads on their feet,’ he adds.
‘If indoors, cool them with damp towels and a fan, always speaking to a vet for advice if you detect heat stroke in your pooch.’
Some of the easiest and fastest ways to prevent your dog from experiencing dangerous heat-related issues include:
Keep them in a cool place
‘Like an air-conditioned room, in front of a fan or on tiled flooring,’ says Dr Miller.
‘A chilled mat can give your dog a place to cool off much faster than with traditional beds, which typically retain body heat.
‘There are many different cooling pads and jackets available to help ensure your dogs body temperature remains under control.
‘Opt for one that uses either water or gel, as they can keep the dog cool for several hours.’
Water – not just to drink
‘If your dog is showing signs of overheating, you can gently wet their ears and paws with cool water,’ Dr Miller suggests.
Plenty of water to drink
Dr Miller says dehydration can make dogs more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
‘So, ensure cold water is offered at least every hour, but more often depending on how hot it is,’ he says.
Use a shady garden
‘If you have garden space, lead your dog to a shady place with a bowl of drinking water,’ says Dr Miller.
‘Your dog’s paws will also need to be protected from the heat as they can easily be burned on hot pavement or gravel. To prevent this from happening, have your dog sit on a towel or blanket.’
Be smart about walks
‘Avoid walking you dog in the hottest part of the day, and take special care of flat faced breeds, thick coated breeds or older pooches during the heatwave,’ he adds.
If you are unsure whether your dog is overheating or need extra help, speak to your vet, or use a vetcare app.
It’s really important to notice any unusual behaviour in your dog, and to react quickly if you suspect there is something wrong.
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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source https://metro.co.uk/2021/07/19/heatwave-how-to-keep-your-dog-cool-inside-during-the-hot-weather-14953123/
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