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Keep Your Dog Cool As Ireland's Temperatures Soar

  • 25/06/2018
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While we're basking in the glorious sunshine, our little four-legged friends are baking.

Met Eireann has predicted scorching temperatures for the next week with many areas in the high 20s.

We're delighted to hear Ireland will be heating up but our pets can suffer in the hot weather.

Some of the most important things to note are to not leave your dog in a parked car, make sure they have enough shade and have enough to drink.

Dogs Trust has advised walking your dogs in the evening when it's cooler as pets can be vulnerable to heat stroke when exposed to high temperatures.

Older or overweight animals are the most at risks while fur babies with flat noses like pugs or bulldogs also need to take extra care.

Gillian Bird of the DSPCA said dogs shouldn't be brought on long, unnecessary journeys in the car and that they should never be left alone in parked cars.

Temperatures in the car can soar within just a few minutes after the air-conditioning is turned off.

She said: "If you wouldn’t leave a chocolate bar or an ice-cream on the front seat of your car, then that is too hot for your dog."

Dogs don’t have sweat glands like humans and cannot regulate their body heat. They only lose heat by panting and it takes the animals longer to cool down.

If a dog is panting rapidly or collapses from exhaustion the animal could be suffering from heat stroke. Dogs suffering severe dehydration or heat stroke require immediate medical care and fluid therapy by drip.

Owners are advised to look out for warning signs in extreme cases, such as excessive panting, red gums and tongue, vomiting or diarrhoea.

What to do in extreme cases:

  • Take the dog out of the sun
  • Cover the dog with a cool wet towel
  • Get the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
  • Seek veterinary advice immediately

If you have an indoor pet, owners should avoid leaving their animals alone in glass environments as these tend to be much warmer than other parts of the house.

If your dog is a sun worshipper, Dogs Trust says to leave a wet towel near them so they can keep cool.

Finally, if you’re taking the dog out for a walk, check the temperature of the ground (particularly on the beach or tarred surfaces) and keep in mind that your dog’s paw pads can be burned.

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