NOT ALL DOGS CAN SWIM

While it may be tempting to pop your hot dog in the pool or a nearby stream, it’s a myth that all dogs automatically know how to swim. Bulldogs, Pugs, Dachshunds, Basset hounds and Boxers are some of the most popular breeds of dogs who are generally unable to swim due to their anatomy and facial structure. Other dogs with thick, heavy coats may also struggle to keep afloat.

The study included over 900,000 UK dogs and used historical, anonymised veterinary records, so included roughly 10% of the estimated UK dog population. In 2016, the fatality rate for heatstroke cases in the UK was 14%, meaning one in seven dogs with heatstroke died from their condition.

The number of dogs experiencing heatstroke was relatively low, just 0.04% of the population (or one in every 2,500 dogs). However, this study used data from 2016, and temperature records have since been broken.The intensity and frequency of heatwaves is predicted to increase in the future.

PREVENTING HEATSTROKE

Any dog can develop heatstroke if left or exercised in a hot environment. For any dog, it’s far safer to skip walks altogether during hot weather and you may need to find ways to keep your dog cool, such as paddling pools, fans and grooming. However, owners of the breeds highlighted by this study should be particularly cautious in hot weather.

If your dog is on the larger side, you need to be careful regardless of their breed, especially if they are a large or giant breed. If your dog is overweight, they are not only at increased risk of heatstroke but also other potentially fatal conditions such as joint disease and cancer. Helping your dog shed excess weight will help them feel more comfortable in hot weather and will reduce their risk of heatstroke.

If you have an older dog, you should also be cautious exercising them in the heat. Dogs with underlying health problems affecting their hearts or breathing are particularly at risk and may need help keeping cool during warm weather.

Despite annual campaigns, owners still continue to put their pets at risk by leaving them unattended in car parks. Dogs don’t just overheat in hot cars. Exercising in hot weather can be just as dangerous and can prove fatal. Owners of dogs identified as being at particular risk of heatstroke should be especially cautious and should avoid any situation that could put the dog in danger from overheating.

Knowing the signs of overheating is key to stopping the condition progressing.They typically include:

• Panting constantly and noisily

• Looking distressed

• Dark, blue or red gums and tongue – the tongue may appear

much longer than usual

• Confusion, unsteady on their legs, lying down more or

even collapsing

• Diarrhoea, vomiting or going off food

• Acting strangely or having a fit

If you’re worried that your dog is too hot, seek veterinary advice immediately and start cooling your dog straight away.

Some quick ways of cooling dogs include getting them into the shade, using cool water and using cool air. Avoid covering your dog with wet towels as it may trap heat, and don’t let them drink water too quickly.

As temperatures continue to rise, more dogs will become at risk of heatstroke. Protecting your dog from hot environments and preventing them from overheating is the best way to keep them safe.