JSPCA urges owners to keep their dogs hydrated this summer
Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat. They rely on less efficient cooling methods, such as panting, which means they are much more prone than us to heat exhaustion, heatstroke and heat-related death in summer.
In hotter weather, most dogs, like humans, need to drink more water, sometimes up to double or triple their normal intake. The most common cause of dogs becoming dehydrated is a lack of access to water, which can occur when they finish their bowl too quickly.
How to help?
Make sure you top up water bowls regularly and if you’re ever leaving your dog alone, provide an extra bowl or two, in case one gets tipped over. If you’re going on a long walk or car journey, invest in a travel bowl and take a bottle of water along.
How to keep dogs cool in summer
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat. They rely on less efficient cooling methods, such as panting, which means they are much more prone than humans to heat exhaustion, heatstroke and heat-related death in summer.
Some dog breeds are more vulnerable to heat than others.
Brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds such as pugs, boxer, bulldogs, Boston terriers, chihuahuas and King Charles spaniels often struggle with breathing, which makes it harder for them to regulate their body temperature.
Thick-coated breeds, including huskies, St Bernards, Bernese Mountain dogs, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds and Chow Chows, also cope less well with higher temperatures, having been bred to be at home in colder climates.
Heat risks can also be higher if your dog has a black coat which absorbs more light and heat, is overweight, or is young or elderly.
Pavements and hard paths are a particular heat hazard for dogs in the summer.
How to help?
During hot weather, limit exercise to early morning and evening and avoid the hottest part of the day, particularly if your dog is one of the at-risk breeds.
Know their temperature risks:
• 15°C presents no risk to most dogs.
• 18°C no risk for smaller and medium-sized dogs but larger breeds may experience difficulty, however unlikely.
• 21°C unlikely risk for smaller and medium-sized dogs, but there is a potential hazard for larger dogs.
• 23°C a potential hazard for all dogs.
• 26°C a potential hazard for smaller and medium dogs and can be dangerous for larger dogs.
• 29°C dangerous for smaller and medium dogs, potentially life-threatening for larger dogs.
As a quick test, press the back of your hand against the pavement. If it’s too hot for you to touch, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Wait a little longer for walking your dog or stick to grassy tracks.
Never leave your dog unattended in your car on a warm day because temperatures can rapidly reach dangerous levels and always have enough fresh water available.
