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Keep Your Dog Cool To Be Kind - As Temperatures Soar Once More, Dogs Trust, The UK's Largest Dog Welfare Charity, Urges Owners To Keep Their Dogs Safe

2 years ago
522 views

Posted
9th August, 2022 17h08

Author
Dogs Trust


As another hot spell hits, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is offering top tips to help owners make sure dogs can stay safe and happy in the sun and keep cool.   

The charity is advising dog owners how they can keep their canine companions cool – indoors as well as outdoors - and prevent them from overheating as the days get hotter. 

If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, call your nearest vet immediately as they can advise if your dog is suffering from heatstroke or another condition.   

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered for the best chance of survival, so whilst calling your vet you can help by:  

Dogs Trust says that having fun with your dog indoors can be just as stimulating as a walk, but owners still need to be aware that they need to make sure their dogs stay cool indoors too, so choosing the coolest room in the house, staying out of direct sunlight, always having fresh water available and making sure your dog has somewhere cool to relax and sleep.  

To help owners keep their dogs entertained indoors Dogs Trust has come up with eight ways to have fun with a cardboard box and tubes, such as those you’d find in a toilet or kitchen roll, including teaching your dog how to perform a perfect figure 8 and popping scrunched up newspaper or any paper items in an empty box and dropping in some treats or toys for your dog to find.   

Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, says:   

“There are so many things we can do to make sure our dogs stay happy and healthy in hot weather, but it is crucial we keep a close eye on them, even if playing indoors.    

“If you do need to head out in the car with your dog, please be very careful. As little as twenty minutes can prove fatal if a dog is left alone in a car on a warm day.    

“Many people still believe it's OK if the windows are left open or they're parked in the shade, but the truth is, it's not and we strongly advise that dog owners never leave their dog in a car on a warm day, even if it feels cool outside.   

“Severe heatstroke can cause multiple seizures, complete loss of consciousness, loss of coordination, confusion and vomiting and diarrhoea with blood. If untreated it can prove fatal.” 

If you see a dog in a car in distress, Dogs Trust advises that members of the public call 999.   

For more information and advice, see www.dogstrust.org.uk/advice    


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