Dog owners have been given an easy way to check if it is too hot to walk their pet as Britain is gripped by a heatwave period.
With temperatures soaring for another day, many animals are struggling to cope with the heat.
In what could be an unprecedented heatwave, with London facing a possible new May record of 34C, dog owners have been advised to restrict walking their pets to cooler times of the day.
“On extremely hot days, dogs will benefit from skipping a walk completely as evenings and early mornings are still hot enough to trigger heatstroke,” said Dr Rhian Littlehales, clinical governance director at Medivet & Partners.
She also explained a simple test which could show if it is too hot to take out your dog in London and other cities.
“If you’re not sure if the pavements are too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds,” she said.
“If you struggle to hold it down, it’s too hot to walk your dog.”
The vet group also outlined a series of signs that dogs may be suffering from heatstroke.
They include:
* Excessive panting
* Excessive thirst
* Very red gums
* Rapid heart rate
* Lethargy
* Vomiting or diarrhoea
* Staggering, weakness or collapsing
Other animals also struggle in the heat including at London Zoo where some are being given ice lollies to cool down.
To protect their dogs if they are not coping with the high temperatures, owners are advised to soak their pet in cool water, and even non-toxic fluids such as cold fizzy drink if water is not available, and then contact a vet to seek medical advice.
They should also ensure they have plenty and easy access to water to drink, such as multiple bowls.
They should never leave their dog alone in a car or other vehicle in the summer as it is one of the leading causes of canine heatstroke.
Dr Littlehales stressed that even on a mild 23C day, the temperature inside a parked car or can soar to 43C in just 30 minutes and it can happen in as little as 10 minutes when it is hotter.
“The safest choice is to leave your dog at home, where they have access to shade and fresh water while you’re out,” she added.
Ensuring dogs have shady spots in which to cool down is also key, and for some breeds animal-friendly sun cream can be applied, and regular grooming can make them less susceptible to heat.
