How to protect your dog from heatstroke

The mini-heatwave sweeping the UK has prompted the Met Office to issue a “heat health alert”, warning that children and the elderly should take particular care amid the sweltering temperatures.

But it’s not only humans whose health can be put at risk in the hot weather.

On the sunny south coast, the chair of Bournemouth’s Beach Hut Association, Ann Gerrard, told the Bournemouth Echo she had already seen multiple instances of dogs showing symptoms of heatstroke.

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“People love their dogs but sometimes just don’t remember that the hot weather can make them very ill, very quickly,” she said.

So how can you protect your pet from heatstroke?

Do your research: some breeds or types of dog are more vulnerable to overheating and need extra caution. These include “very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types”, says the RSPCA.

Keep it chill: just like humans, many dogs enjoy playing in the sun, but too much direct sunlight leaves them vulnerable to overheating.

“Everyday I see people bringing their dogs to the beach without even bringing an umbrella or a chair for them to use as shade,” Gerrard told the Echo.

“I think people forget that while we might be half-naked on the beach dogs will be covered in fur and they can get really hot.”

Mad dogs and Englishmen: avoid walks during the hottest part of the day, opting for morning or evening strolls instead, and take care not to exercise your dog too strenuously in warm weather.

Check the backseat and the boot: this one might seem obvious, but even if you would never intentionally leave a pet in a hot car, a moment of absent-mindedness can be fatal.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering heatstroke - excessive panting, drooling and lethargy are all symptoms - move them to a shaded area and call a vet as soon as possible.

In the meantime, try to cool them down with cool - but not cold - water, wet towels or fans, and allow them to drink small amounts of water.