Dog owners urged to be vigilant during hot spell

With warmer weather and sunny spells expected over the coming days, The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is advising dog owners to be vigilant of their pets during this prolonged period of hot weather.

It is essential for owners to keep pets cool and safe. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can develop if an animal becomes too hot. This can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death.

Dogs are particularly at risk of developing heat stroke on warm days when they are outside exercising and playing. It can also be caused by being in a warm room without proper ventilation, being kept somewhere hot such as a car, conservatory or kennel. Any dog can develop heatstroke, but flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs are most at risk.

Below are some tips for helping dogs stay cool in warm weather:

1. Only walk when it is cool, early morning and evening. Do not walk any dog during the hottest hours of the days (12 noon to 4pm).

2. Light exercise only. When playing with your dog allow lots of time for breaks in shade, provide water, and allow your dog to cool down.

3. Provide lots of shade and plenty of water.

4. No unnecessary travel. Never leave dogs in cars even if windows are open; a car will remain to hot for any pet.

5. Be extra cautious with flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs.

In addition, it is important to understand – How hot is too hot?

• 16-19 C Generally safe to exercise at all times of days. Dogs most at risk of heat stroke should only be lightly exercised in the cool parts of the days (early morning, late evening).

• 20-23 C No dog should be exercised rigorously. All exercise should take place during cool parts of the day. Play time should be short and have lots of time to cool down.

• 24-27 C Extreme caution should be taken. Exercise should only be extremely light and take place when the sun has set. Focus on giving your dog cooling treats, toys and plenty of opportunity to spend time in shade.

• 28-31 C Dangerous for all, but life threatening for larger breeds and puppies as well as dogs who are flat-faced or obese. Stay cool and in the shade with lots of water.

• 32 C Heat stroke is a major risk for all.

While 20°C may not seem overly hot, pets – especially dogs – can still struggle in the heat, particularly during exercise or if left in enclosed spaces like cars or conservatories.

Commenting, Suzanne McGovern, Head of Operations at the DSPCA, said: “This kind of weather is a lovely change for us, but it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for our pets. It is important that all pet owners are always vigilant and responsible. Plan ahead, ensure your pet can rest in the shade and has access to lots of water. It is important we all enjoy the hot but do so in a fun, responsible and safe way”.

If you see an animal in trouble or distress, particularly in a car even if the window is open or in an outdoor area without shade or water, please contact the DSPCA on 01 4994700 or info@dspca.ie.