All dog owners should know the 7 second rule to protect their pet in the heat
Scots have seen some scorching temperatures over the last week. In fact, the mercury reached a piping 24.4C at Aboyne in Aberdeenshire on Wednesday, April 30, which was the hottest day of the year so far.
The Met Office has also revealed that last month was the sunniest April on record. But while we humans can enjoy the sun with shades, sun cream and parasols, our pets can easily be left suffering in the heat.
With this in mind, Head Vet Sean McCormack at Tails.com has shared advice on keeping your dog cool during warmer weather, along with the key signs of heatstroke that every dog owner should be aware of.
He also shared a simple rule that all owners should know when it comes to taking your dog on a walk during a heatwave. Here's his expert advice.
The seven second rule to protect your dog from the heat
During hot weather, paved surfaces such as tarmac can become dangerously hot for dogs, explained the animal expert.
In fact, when the air temperature is just 25C, tarmac can heat up to a whopping 52C, and hot surfaces can lead to painful burns on your dog's paws.
Instead, opt for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler.
If you're unsure whether the ground is safe, try the seven second rule- place your palm on the pavement, and if you can't comfortably hold it there for at least seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog to be walking on it.
Ways to keep your dog cool in hot weather
Keep them hydrated
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, topping up their bowl regularly. Try to place it in a cool, shaded area of your home to help prevent the water from warming or evaporating too quickly.
When you're on the move, carry a portable water bowl or a dog water bottle.
Give them frozen treats
While dogs shouldn't consume regular ice cream, there are plenty of safe and tasty alternatives.
The expert recommends slicing up some banana and popping it in the freezer, or spreading a small amount of your dog' s favourite treat onto a lick mat and freezing it.
You can also make simple frozen lollies at home by placing a few pieces of their favourite kibble in an ice cube tray, topping it up with water, and freezing.
Feed them little and often
When the weather warms up, it's not uncommon for dogs to show a reduced appetite, particularly if they're spending more time indoors or going on shorter, less active walks that don't build up the same level of hunger.
To ensure they still receive the nutrition they require, consider offering smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. This can make it easier for your dog to eat at a pace that's comfortable for them in the heat.
Keep them out of the car
One of the most important things to remember during warm weather is to never leave your dog unattended in a car, especially when temperatures rise above 20C.
Even with the windows slightly open or if you're stepping away for a short time, the risk is significant.
Dogs can begin to suffer from heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes without proper ventilation.
Set up a paddling pool
For a fun and effective way to help your dog cool down, consider setting up a paddling pool in the back garden where they can splash and play.
If your dog prefers to stay indoors, you can create a relaxing chill-out zone by closing the curtains to block out the sun and placing a fan nearby to keep the air circulating.
Recognising the signs of heatstroke in dogs
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, it's important to seek veterinary attention immediately, said the veterinary expert.
One of the most common early signs is excessive panting, but there are other symptoms to be aware of, including:
Rapid or laboured breathing
Excessive thirst
Lying on their side or collapsing
Lethargy or weakness
Appearing unresponsive or unusually quiet
Signs of agitation or stress
Vomiting
Lack of coordination or stumbling
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