Dogs Trust Shoreham Urges Owners To Protect Pets During Hot Weather

Dog owners across Sussex are being urged to think carefully before heading out for walks as temperatures continue to rise and heat warnings remain in place.

Dogs Trust Shoreham says hot pavements and high temperatures can pose a serious risk to pets, with dogs particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke.

The charity is reminding owners that, unlike humans, dogs are unable to cool themselves effectively through sweating and instead rely mainly on panting.

As a result, even routine exercise in warm conditions can quickly become dangerous.

Veterinary experts are also warning that pavements, roads and other hard surfaces can absorb heat throughout the day, becoming hot enough to burn a dog's paw pads.

Emily Mills, Veterinary Projects Manager at Dogs Trust, says many owners enjoy getting outdoors with their pets when the weather is good, but warm conditions can create significant health risks.

She says dogs are far more susceptible to overheating than people and that owners should avoid walking them during the hottest parts of the day.

The charity is advising dog owners to walk their pets early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

On exceptionally hot days, Dogs Trust says it may be safer to skip walks altogether and instead provide enrichment activities at home.

Owners are also being encouraged to check the temperature of pavements before setting out. A simple test is to place the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds — if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.

Other advice includes sticking to shaded grassy areas, carrying fresh drinking water, keeping exercise to a minimum and ensuring dogs have cool places to rest at home.

Dogs Trust is also repeating its warning never to leave dogs unattended in vehicles, even for a short period of time or with windows left open.

The charity says owners should be aware of signs of heat-related illness, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse, and seek veterinary advice immediately if they have concerns.

Certain dogs are at greater risk, including flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs, as well as older dogs, overweight animals and those with existing health conditions.

With temperatures expected to remain high, Dogs Trust says missing a walk is far preferable to risking painful burns or potentially life-threatening heatstroke.