A REDDITCH vets is urging dog owners to take extra special care of their four legged friends in the hot weather.
Just a two degree increase in a dog’s body temperature is all it takes for heat stroke to kick in and a dog only has an average 50 per cent chance of surviving it.
“Walking your dog early in the morning is the best thing to do at the moment,” said a registered veterinary nurse at Southcrest Vets.
“Some people might take them out in the evening but the temperatures can still be as much as 20 degrees then.
“You also have to think of the temperature of the pavement – it will absorb heat and dogs have sensitive paws.”
She advised making sure your pooch has plenty of water, possibly a fan and make use of cool coats and scarfs available in shops like Pets at Home in Redditch.
“You can also make them ice treats – take a Kong toy, fill it with gravy and freeze it or put ice cubes in their water,” she said.
She added that flat faced dogs like pugs are more sensitive to high temperatures and should be treated accordingly.
Vets Now also have the following advice:
At anything over 19 degrees in temperature, dogs are at risk of heat stroke.
It doesn’t matter whether they are drinking water, or whether they are playing in a pool.
Do not take your dog out or exercise them in this heat. Wait until early morning or late evening.
It only takes:
Two degrees increase in body temperature for heat stroke to kick in
50 per cent survival rate with heat stroke
Death can occur within 15 minutes
They advise owners to adapt their routines and adapt what you do with your dog based on age, fitness and breed.
Flat faced ‘brachycephalic’ breeds need extra care.
