Ahead of temperatures warming up this summer, dog owners are being reminded of a simple seven-second rule that could prevent painful burns on their pet's paws
With summer on its way and the hot weather it brings with it, it's vital for dog owners to ensure they know just what to do to ensure their four-legged friend is well cared for. While basking in the sun is a fave for humans and canines alike, remember our pets deal with the heat differently, and it's essential for dog owners to be aware of this
With this in mind, Sean McCormack, Head Vet at Tails.com, has shared some timely tips for the hotter days ahead, including the genius seven-second trick to safeguard your doggo's delicate paws. When the temperature rises, paved surfaces such as tarmac can become dangerously hot for dogs, potentially leading to painful burns on their paws.
In fact, when the air temperature is just 77F, tarmac can soar to an astonishing 125F, reports the Express. When this happens, you should avoid walking your pooch when the temperature is hottest; instead, opt for walks early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler.
He said: “Place your palm on the pavement, and if you can't comfortably hold it there for at least seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog.”
Alongside this, ensure your pets stay comfy during those scorching summer days by keeping them well-hydrated and switching up their feeding routine with smaller, more frequent meals that they can nibble at comfortably despite the heat.
Sean also suggests treating your canine pal with some frozen treats when the temperature sours. He said: “While dogs shouldn't consume regular ice cream, there are plenty of safe and tasty alternatives.
“Try slicing up some banana and popping it in the freezer, or spread a small amount of your dog's favourite treat onto a lick mat and freeze it for added enrichment.”
For a homemade chill-out treat, Sean said: “You can also make simple frozen lollies at home by placing a few pieces of their favourite kibble in an ice cube tray, topping it up with water, and freezing.”
On particularly hot days, skip the car rides with your dog to prevent overheating. And back at home, Sean recommends setting up a paddling pool as a “fun and effective” way to help your furry friend beat the heat.
Much like us, dogs face the danger of heatstroke in high temperatures; however, they can't tell us when they're feeling the symptoms. If you believe your dog is showing signs of heatstroke, don't delay – getting veterinary care promptly is crucial.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs:
- Excessive panting
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Lying on their side or collapsing
- Lethargy or weakness
- Appearing unresponsive or unusually quiet
- Signs of agitation or stress
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination or stumbling
