When is it too hot to walk your dog, and how to keep pets cool

While temperatures are increasing in a large part of the United Kingdom, it is not only humans who feel heat.

What can you do to make sure your pets are cool and comfortable?

The RSPCA says that exercise is the most common trigger for heat resolution for dogs and advises to adjust your routine in hot weather.

He says there is no “safe” temperature for walks, because it depends on the breed, age, health and temperament of your dog.

The charity also recommends the road test: if you cannot keep your hand comfortably on the ground for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s legs.

If you walk your dog, go out early in the morning or late at night, look for shaded areas and walk on the grass as far as possible.

The charitable organization says that these signs could mean that your dog suffers in the heat:

• Box or refuse to walk
• Lick or chew at their feet
• Their feet are darker or damaged in color
• They have visible blisters or redness

You should also avoid running or cycling with your dog when it’s hot.

If your dog does less exercise than usual, the RSPCA suggests keeping them engaged at home with puzzle toys or training games.

Some dogs are more at risk of heat stroke than others.

This includes those with underlying health problems or thick coats that can trap heat. Older puppies or dogs can also have trouble regulating their temperature.

Dogs drop out to keep cool, but the shorter walls of certain flat face breeds such as bulldogs and carlins make this difficult. This means that they are particularly at risk of overheating.

According to the PDSA, the symptoms of the heat stroke include:

• excessive hayle
• drool or foam
• confusion
• trembling
• weakness and collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• seizures

If you see these signs, first try to cool your dog as quickly as possible.

Move them in a shaded area and slowly pour cold water over their bodies. Do not cover them in damp or damp towels as it can trap the heat.

The more you can reduce the rapid temperature, the lower the risk of serious injury.

Once your animal has started to cool off, contact your veterinarian to get advice and possible treatment.

The RSPCA says it is essential that animals have access to shaded spaces inside and outside.

Provide a lot of clean water – you can add ice cubes to their water bowl. Pets can also take advantage of frozen edible snacks.

Put wet or damp towels under their body – but do not place them directly on top.

Several animal cooling carpets and jackets are available, but be sure to follow the instructions. Products that must be kept constantly wet can actually make your pet warmer if they dry.

Some animals may like to play with frozen toys or refresh themselves in a paddle pool – although you should always supervise pets in the water.

Keep dogs and other fur animals such as well -maintained cats prevents the accumulation of tangled fur, which can make them more difficult for them to stay cool.

Make sure that all interior animal cages or fish tanks are not in direct sunlight.

Never leave a pet in a locked car, a caravan or another vehicle for a duration, because temperatures can increase rapidly at dangerous levels – which can be fatal.

Likewise, do not leave the animals closed inside the conservatories, the hangars or the greenhouses.

You can also leave additional water in your garden for birds, foxes and other wildlife creatures.

Dogs and cats can be burned by the sun – especially if they are light in color or have thin fur plates. The ears, the nose, the eyelids and the belly are also vulnerable.

Sunburn can be painful for pets and in extreme cases can cause skin cancer.

Some active ingredients of human sunscreen are toxic to pets, so veterinarians recommend using a waterproof sunscreen for pets, with a SPF note of 30 or more. Some companies sell sunscreen with a bitter taste to prevent animals from licking it.

The PDSA suggests that you first apply a sunscreen on a small skin area and leave it for 24 hours to make sure that the animal does not react.

Once you know that sunscreen is safe, you can gently apply a thin layer of sunscreen on white and light skin plates exposed, as well as their noses and ears.

The PDSA warns the owners of pets to monitor the following symptoms of Sunburn:

• tramp
• crust
• itch
• redness

The Dogs Trust advises owners to check first if the beach they want to visit allows dogs.

If this is the case, the charitable body recommends taking a lot of fresh water and ensuring that your dog does not drink sea water.

Check the temperature of the sand and, if there is no natural shadow, try to create a beach umbrella, a solar tent or a windbreak.

If your dog likes to go into the sea, check the tide times and make sure you understand the risk of swimming.

Keep your dog in advance when you are near the edges of water or quick flow.

When you leave the beach, ride all sand and seawater from their coat and legs with tap water to stop it, causing irritation.