“If in doubt, don’t go out”- dog owners urged to rethink walks during hot weather

Animal welfare and veterinary groups who warn about the real and serious dangers of leaving dogs in cars are this year also highlighting the risks of walking dogs during hotter weather, including sunstroke and overheating, as well as burning their pads on scorching pavements.

Pet owners are being urged to learn the early warning signs of heat-related illness so they can avoid putting their dog at risk, and also know what action to take in an emergency.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, said vets see dogs with a range of issues:

“Heat-related illness can lead to organ failure, brain damage and ultimately death.

“Most people know that dogs die in hot cars, but the reality is that more than 10 times as many dogs need veterinary treatment for heat-related illness following exercise as for being overheated in cars.

“It can take weeks for a dog to acclimatize to hot weather, so after a spell of cold winter, periods of hot weather can be particularly dangerous.”

Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare specialist, said owners can provide a paddling pool and make frozen dog treats to keep their pets cool and entertained if they’re worried about missing exercise during hot weather.

She added: “The truth is, walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer. When a heatwave is forecast, we all start making plans for enjoying the outdoors and soaking up the sunshine, and for those of us with dogs, this often includes bringing them along. While the majority would never leave our dogs in a car on a hot day, or even take our dogs for a really long walk in the heat, many people may still be putting their dogs at risk even on a short walk, or taking them to places such as fields and beaches with little or no shade.

“All breeds of dog are at risk, but if your dog has an underlying health condition, especially one affecting their breathing, then they could overheat more easily, as well as overweight dogs, dogs with double coats, and some larger and flat-faced breeds.

“We have long-campaigned that dogs die in hot cars, but this year we’re highlighting that dogs die on hot walks, too. The message remains very simple - never leave a dog in a hot car because ‘not long’ is too long, and when it comes to walks, ‘if in doubt, don’t go out.’

The Dogs Die in Hot Cars coalition is urging pet owners to learn the early warning signs of heat related illness and know how to take action in an emergency.

Which dogs are at greater risk?

Dr O’Neill advises:

• Dogs cool down by panting, so dogs with any kind of breathing issue may struggle to pant effectively and may struggle to cool down. This is especially a problem for brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs that have narrowed airways, dogs with respiratory diseases such as laryngeal paralysis, and dogs with heart disease, to name a few.
• Dogs also lose heat directly to their surrounding air, so dogs with thick coats, wearing doggy-clothes, and overweight dogs with excess body fat will retain more heat and cool more slowly during exercise.
• Unfit dogs and dehydrated dogs cool down more slowly than dogs that are athletically fit and well hydrated. So, if your dog has been injured, is unwell, or just hasn’t done as much exercise recently as perhaps you would have liked, then they will get hotter faster and will take longer to cool down when exercising.

What are the signs of heat-related illness in dogs?

• Excessive panting that doesn’t stop when the dog rests.
• Difficulty breathing, especially if there is unusual noise or any blue/grey tinge to gums or tongue.
• Unusual tiredness - becoming tired sooner than normal.
• Changes in behaviour - lying down more frequently and stumbling.
• Less keen to play.

What should I do if I spot these signs?

• Stop them from exercising
• Move them into the shade
• Lay them in water and/or pour it over them
• Speak to a vet if you are concerned

Tips for keeping dogs comfortable in warm weather

• Never leave your dog in a hot car, ever.
• Never leave your pets in any vehicle or caravan, or in a conservatory or outbuilding.
• Exercise dogs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Avoid over-exercising dogs in warm weather and avoid encouraging them to over-exert themselves when playing.
• If you know your dog has an underlying condition, then take extra care in hot weather or consider skipping walks altogether.
• Provide constant access to fresh, clean water and cool, shady resting spots.
• Avoid taking dogs on long days out in the heat.
• Remember, pavements can get very hot in the warm weather - if you can't comfortably keep your hand on the ground for five seconds, then it’s too hot for your pooch’s paws too!
• If necessary, use a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin

 What to do if you see a dog in a hot car

• In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.
• You can call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.

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About the campaign

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Parking Association, British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Animal Welfare Trust, The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), PDSA, RSPCA, Scottish SPCA, #TeamOtisUK, Woodgreen Pets Charity and RVC VetCompass have teamed up to spread the message: Dogs Die in Hot Cars and Dogs Die On Hot Walks.