Nine Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs During Hot Weather, Vet Reveals

As temperatures rise, it is very important to take good care of your four-legged friends. In some cases, the heat can even be deadly.

Brits have been enjoying the sunshine this past weekend and today is still warm in some parts of the country. But what does this mean for our dogs?

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It is vital that pet owners pay extra attention to their furry friends, as dogs can develop fatal heatstroke within minutes if exposed to high temperatures.

Sean McCormack, chief veterinarian at Tails.com, has provided advice on how to keep your pet cool, as well as signs of heatstroke that could indicate a problem, Yahoo! News reported.

If your pet shows the symptoms below, you should take him or her to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

• Excessive panting
• Rapid or labored breathing
• Excessive thirst
• Lying on their side
• Lethargy
• Seems unresponsive or quiet
• Seems agitated or stressed
• Vomiting
• Lack of coordination

How to Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather

Dogs should not be walked in extremely hot weather, but these pets should be walked daily. Some breeds even need more than one walk.

Should you walk your dog when the temperatures are high? And when is it too hot and you both have to stay indoors?

According to the expert, it is important that dog owners do not walk their four-legged friends during the hottest part of the day, namely around noon.

This is because paved surfaces can become extremely hot, potentially causing pets to get burned paws.

Instead, it is better to take a walk early in the morning or late in the evening, if possible, to avoid the hot asphalt.

If you are unsure about its safety, do the seven second test: hold your palm on the ground. If it is too painful to hold your hand on the ground for more than seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.

Make sure your dog stays properly hydrated

One of the most important ways to help your dog cope with the high temperatures is to ensure that his body is hydrated, especially when you are out and about.

Pet owners are strongly advised to ensure they always have access to fresh water. And if you are going for a walk, take a dog bowl or water bottle with you.

Feed them little and often

Over the past few days, with some parts of the UK having become very warm, you may have noticed that your dog has had a decreased appetite.

To ensure they still get all the nutrients they need, but at a pace that suits them, it is worth feeding them small amounts, but more often.

How to Keep Pets Cool in Hot Weather?

EVERYONE is doing their best to brave the heat and stay cool as temperatures rise.

Below you’ll find The Sun’s best advice on what you can do to keep your pet cool in hot weather.

CATS: Put some ice cubes in your cat’s drinking bowl.

Wait until the end of the day before playing with the cat, when it is cooler.

Pet your cat with a wet cloth. Most cats don’t mind if their fur is damp.

DOGS: Give them a wet towel to lie on.

Avoid walking on hot sidewalks and consider purchasing booties to insulate the toes.

Avoid exercise during the hottest times of the day.

Consider frozen treats

Speaking of food, one of the easiest and most effective ways to cool your dog down is with a delicious frozen treat.

Dogs can’t eat ice cream, but a great alternative is to cut up bananas and freeze the fruit. You can also put your dog’s treat on a licking mat.

Setting up a paddling pool

For the ultimate cooling off, people with a garden can set up a paddling pool for their dog, where they can splash around and cool off.

But if your furry friend prefers to stay indoors, close the curtains and turn on a fan to keep the air moving.