BUCKS DOG OWNERS URGED TO KEEP THEIR PETS SAFE DURING HEATWAVE

 

As the UK faces a heatwave, with the Met Office warning of temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, the Buckinghamshire-based charity that trains and cares for dogs that change the lives of deaf people, is urging dog owners to keep their pets safe by following some simple tips.

 

Wendy Roberts, dog welfare manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, offers the below tips for keeping dogs safe in the heat:

 

  • Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside, as dogs can get sunburnt too - particularly white dogs with very thin coats, such as Dalmatians, Greyhounds and Bull Terriers.
  • Walk your dog early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid high temperatures.
  • Avoid sitting outside in the sun for long periods with your dog or in areas that heat up quickly, such as conservatories
  • Take water with you on a walk and if your dog shows signs of overheating (heavy panting and a loss of energy), stop, move to the shade and give your dog water.
  • Make sure your dog has a constant supply of clean water in the home.
  • Never leave your dog in a car, even with the windows open or in the shade – cars heat up quickly and can become death traps, even on a mildly sunny day.
  • Give your dog access to a cool, shallow paddling pool and provide a cool, damp towel to lay on.
  • Signs of heatstroke in dogs include panting, excess salivation, fatigue, tremoring or staggering. If a dog owner suspects heatstroke in their pet they should attempt to cool them down immediately and contact their vet.
  • To cool down a dog that is overheating, move to a shaded area, drape cool wet towels over them, and offer them cool (not cold) fresh water.
  • Beware of hot surfaces – if a pavement feels hot to your fingers then it is too hot for the pads on your dog’s paws
  • Brachycephalic dogs, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs, are more sensitive to rising temperatures and could face an increased risk of overheating

 

Wendy Roberts, dog welfare manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “While we might enjoy sunbathing in the park or sitting in a pub garden for long periods during high temperatures, this can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous for a dog.  It is vital that dog owners in Bucks know how to keep their pets cool and safe during this type of weather and can spot the signs when a dog is suffering – it is not an exaggeration to say that this could mean the difference between life or death for a dog.

 

“Anyone who fears their dog may be showing signs of heatstroke should attempt to cool their dog down immediately and contact their vet. To cool a dog down they should be moved to a shaded area, have a cool, wet towel draped over them, and be offered cool but not cold water. By acting quickly to cool a dog down dog owners could save their dog’s life.”

 

General advice on keeping dogs happy during the summer months can be found at www.hearingdogs.org.uk/blog/summer-safety-tips-for-dogs.

 

[ENDS]

26th June 2018

 

For further information or interview requests, please contact press@hearingdogs.org.uk or david.robson@hearingdogs.org.uk.