Dog owners warned of heatwave dangers

As Brits brace for one of the longest-lasting heatwaves in living memory, pet owners are being urged to take extra care to keep their furry friends safe.

The mercury is predicted to hit the low 30s across much of southern England this week, and while temperatures are not expected to reach the record-breaking highs of last month, many places are likely to experience a prolong period of hot weather.

While many dog owners may be tempted to get out and about and enjoy this spell of warmer weather, pet insurance experts at Tiger.co.uk have issued a reminder of the hidden dangers facing animals, from heatstroke and burnt paws to sun burn and even poisoning.

Brits are huge dog lovers, with 15.5 million households home to a pet pooch,* however some of these heat-related dangers are relatively unknown. 

Last summer, one of the UK’s largest vet groups recorded around 190 dogs needing emergency treatment for heatstroke.**

Ian Wilson, pet insurance expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “With the UK set for the third heatwave of the year so far, it’s important for dog owners to be prepared in advance and do all they can to keep their pets cool and comfortable.

“Dogs cannot sweat like humans, so they rely on panting to cool themselves and this leaves them more prone to overheating, particularly puppies, older dogs or those with thick coats.

“The best thing pet owners can do to help keep their dogs safe in hot weather is make sure they always have access to fresh drinking water, and well-ventilated, shaded spaces. It is also important to adjust exercise times to avoid the hottest parts of the day – stick to early morning or late evening when taking pets for a walk.

“Pet owners should also keep a close eye on their dogs during periods of warm weather and contact their vet immediately if they spot symptoms such as excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, red gums, lethargy, confusion and vomiting or diarrhoea.”

The experts at Tiger.co.uk have compiled a list of key issues to look out for.

Five Key Dangers to be Aware of This Summer

Sunburn – some pups have light fur or a thin coat, particularly around their nose and ears which requires dog safe suncream on hot sunny days.***

Hay fever – this may seem strange but dogs can actually suffer from hay fever and need treatments from the vet to help combat the symptoms such as sore and watery eyes, itchy skin and paws.  It’s important never to self-medicate your pup, certain antihistamines can be toxic to dogs, always consult your vet.****

Burnt paws – during the warmer months, place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds before going out for walks, if it’s too hot for your hand then it’s too hot for paws.  Best time to walk dogs in the summer is first thing in the morning or last thing at night, to avoid the hottest parts of the day.*****

Poisoning – a swim is a great way to help pups cool off in summer, however ingesting saltwater can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors or seizures, keep a close eye on your pup and limit their swimming time if they’re drinking the water, to help avoid saltwater poisoning.******

Heatstroke – hot cars can be incredibly dangerous, dogs should not be left in a car for any period of time during the summer as they can overheat very quickly, even with a window cracked open on a dull day.*******

Tiger.co.uk can help animal lovers compare and find savings on all sorts of pet insurance from puppy insurance to older dog and even multi-pet insurance. 

References:

*https://www.ukpetfood.org/resource/britain-s-dog-ownership-boom-as-15-5-million-dogs-now-live-in-uk-homes.html

**https://www.ukpetfood.org/industry-hub/data-statistics-/uk-pet-population-.html

***https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/sunburn-in-pets

****https://www.scottishspca.org/advice/dogs/can-dogs-get-hay-fever/#:~:text=The%20symptoms%20of%20hay%20fever,become%20red%2C%20inflamed%20and%20itchy.

*****https://www.vets-now.com/2017/06/never-walk-dogs-hot-asphalt-tarmac-pavements-artificial-grass/#:~:text=Dogs’%20paws%20can%20be%20just,walk%20dogs%20on%20a%20pavement.

******https://www.petplan.co.uk/dog-insurance/dog-care-and-advice/beach-hazards.html#:~:text=MANAGE%20COOKIES-,5.,diarrhoea%2C%20muscle%20tremors%20or%20seizures.

*******https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars#:~:text=Back-,Dogs%20die%20in%20hot%20cars,47%20degrees%20within%20an%20hour.