An expert has issued an urgent warning for anyone who owns a popular dog breed as the weather heats up.
As you will already know, it's widely recommended that dogs are walked once or twice a day to keep their health in check.
But as temperatures rise, should you continue to walk your dog in summer and if so, how can you protect their paws from the hot pavement?
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Find out everything you need to know below.
How can you walk your dog safely this summer?
Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, has warned dog owners not to go on a walk in extreme heat, especially if you own an English Bulldog.
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"Walking your dog in the summer can be a challenge, as dogs can overheat very quickly and find even mild exertion a challenge when the weather is very hot," Lagercrantz explains.
"This is particularly true for flat-faced or brachycephalic dog breeds, such as the English Bulldog."
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How to spot the sings of heatstroke in dogs
"On really hot days, dogs are at risk of overheating and even developing heatstroke, the latter of which can prove fatal. Care must be taken to provide constant access to shade and water.
"It's also vital to ensure you never leave your dog in a car or left somewhere unsupervised."
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As a lack of hydration or too much exercise during the hotter parts of the day can lead to heatstroke, it's important to get to know the common signs of the deadly condition.
You can find common signs of dog heatstroke below:
- Excessive or noisy panting
- Restlessness or pacing
- Seeking shade or water
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Red gums or tongue
- Increased heart rate
To keep your dog safe during exercise, it's recommended that you head out on a walk in the early morning or late evening.
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Not sure if it's too hot out there? Veterinary surgeon at Animed, Jessica Simmonds, recommends touching the pavement for five seconds to check the temperature. If it's too hot, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Can dog booties really keep paws cool on the hot pavement?
You're sure to have seen dog booties on the market, but are they really a good way to keep your pup's paws cool this summer?
“Dog paws are generally well designed to keep them comfortable on most surfaces and in a variety of weather conditions,” Lagercrantz explains.
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“However, there are times when wearing dog shoes or booties can be necessary to help protect your dog, so they’re a useful item to have in one’s arsenal.”
“Importantly, the level of protection required is dependent on the type of dog you have. Very petite dogs will generally be more likely to need booties. Their finer bones and paw pads are less fleshy and cushioned than larger dogs, making contact with heat a bigger issue.”
Lagercrantz goes on to explain that sand and pavements in particular retain heat and in turn, this can damage paws, especially over long distances.
However, not all dogs like wearing shoes. Lagercrantz warns that some pups can find it difficult to get used to shoes, as they may restrict movement or cause discomfort. If there is extreme heat, you should skip a walk altogether. Please contact your vet if you seek further advice.
How to keep your dog cool this summer
Walkies aside, there are lots of other ways to ensure your dog is happy and healthy during the summer months. Below, discover top tips from veterinary surgeon Jessica Simmonds:
- Wet your dog's ears and paws with cold water frequently during the day.
- Keep water bowls topped up and easily accessible, you can even add a chicken stock cube to encourage your dog to drink.
- Freeze dog treats in ice cubes for a refreshing reward.
- Paddling pools, cooling mats, and pools are also a great way to keep your dog cool and entertained during sunny spells.
Topics: Dogs
Danielle Fowler