Walking your dog in hot weather

As dog owners we all know that dogs need exercise, even when it is hot.

To avoid the risk of heatstroke it is recommended that you walk your dog either early morning or late in the evening when its cooler.

Dogs are not as good as us at dealing with warmer temperatures, they find it much harder to cool down and it’s important we pay attention and keep an eye out for any signs they are too hot or suffering from heatstroke.

Do you know the signs of heatstroke?

Heatstroke in pets can progress quickly in pets as they cannot tell us what is wrong, looking out for the following common signs can help to save your pet’s life:

Heavy panting, even when not exercising
Breathing problems, particularly in flat-faced dogs
Fitting
Tiredness
Stiffness
Unwillingness to move
Being sick
Not being able to walk in a straight line
Collapsing

In hot weather, there are some key things to look out for that will keep your dog well and safe.

Hot pavements

When the weather is warm and sunny, pavements can become deceivingly hot. When it is sunny, pavements can be so hot that they even burn pet’s paws. The best way to see if the ground is too hot is to put your hand on the pavement, if you cannot hold it down for seven seconds it is too hot to walk your pet. As mentioned, walking early morning or late in the evening would be best in hot weather.

Blue-green algae

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that can be harmful to both humans and animals. It can be found all over the UK in different areas of water and is most common in summer months or after hot sunny periods.

This type of algae produces certain chemicals and can make dogs unwell. Common signs are:

Sickness
Upset stomach (can be bloody)
Sleepy
Can affect their heart rate and blood pressure
Breathing difficulties
Twitching

In more serious cases it can damage their organs and can be deadly. Some dogs love jumping into water no matter the weather, but in hot weather it is best to look into the water to see if you can see any signs of blue-green algae and if you do avoid it altogether.

Bee and wasp stings

If your dog gets stung by a wasp or bee there may be signs of swelling or minor discomfort. Most cases can be dealt with at home by gently cleaning the area with soap and water and remove the sting if there is one. Some dogs can have a severe reaction and will need to be taken to a vet as soon as possible for urgent treatment.

Signs that your dog has been stung include:

Drooling
Lumpy skin
Biting, nibbling or pawing at the place where they have been stung
Agitation
Whining

If your dog has been stung in the mouth, it’s important you speak to your vet urgently.

Poisonous bulbs and flowers

In summer we see beautiful flowers as our gardens come to life. Certain flowers, however, can make your dog poorly and it’s important to be aware and keep your dog well away.