Vets issue urgent warning over 'smiling' dogs – as they say a grin could be a sign your pet is in danger
But experts have warned that a 'smiling' dog isn't always a happy one.
Vets from Dogs Trust said what looks like a grin could actually be a sign your dog is experiencing heatstroke.
And this could lead to very serious or even potentially fatal consequences for your pet.
The charity is reminding owners that excessive panting and open–mouthed expressions, which might make your pooch look cheerful, can indicate your dog is struggling to cool down.
'It's easy to mistake a panting dog for a smiling one, but panting is one of the first signs of heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated quickly,' Victoria Henry, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, said.
'Dogs can't regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken. As owners, we need to know the signs that our dogs are getting too hot and help them take a rest and cool down when they need to.
'Some dogs aren't good at self–regulating and may continue to run and play even though they're hot and tired, which increases their risk of heatstroke.'
She warned that if you do spot signs of heatstroke in your dog, you should take steps to cool them down and contact your vet immediately.
Symptoms include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapsing.
Heatstroke can affect any type of dog but certain types are at increased risk, including flat–faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs.
Older dogs, overweight dogs and those with pre–existing medical conditions are also at higher risk, Ms Henry said.
The charity said if an owner suspects their dog is experiencing heatstroke they should act immediately to cool them down.
You should stop them from playing or walking and move the dog to a shaded and cool area.
Young, healthy and conscious dogs should be immersed in cool water – for example a paddling pool – keeping their head above water.
'Use any water available, provided it is cooler than your dog,' they said. 'If immersion is not possible, continuous dousing with cold water is an alternative.'
Older dogs or those with health conditions should be sprayed with room temperature water, avoiding their face, combined with air movement from a breeze, fan or air conditioning.
Ice – wrapped in a tea towel – could also be placed in their groin and armpits.
The charity warned against placing a wet towel on your pet, as it can raise their temperature, and to stop cooling them down if the dog starts shivering.
If your dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, they recommend calling your nearest vet immediately.
'Dogs Trust also advises that dogs should never be left alone in cars as even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal,' they said.
'As dogs can't cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.'
If you happen to see a dog in a car in distress, the charity advises that members of the public call 999 immediately.
Experts have also revealed a simple five-second test that can help save your pets' paws during the heatwave.
Matt Cayless, founder of pet marketing agency Bubblegum Search, said owners are unknowingly putting their dogs at risk by walking them when pavements are dangerously hot.
'The tarmac test takes just five seconds but can prevent serious burns and heat-related illness,' he said. 'Simply place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds - if it feels too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.'
The test works because a dog's paw pads, despite looking tough, can burn just as easily as human skin on scorching surfaces.
Tarmac, concrete, and sand can reach temperatures of up to 60°C, even when air temperatures are only 25°C.
'Dog paws aren't designed to cope with these extreme surface temperatures,' Mr Cayless explained.
'Burns can happen in less than a minute on very hot days, leading to painful blisters, cracked pads and infections that require veterinary treatment.'
He recommends sticking to early morning or late evening walks during the summer months, as the most dangerous times for dog walking are between 11am and 3pm.
Temperatures are forecast to rise above 30°C across parts of the country over the next few days, with some areas even expected to exceed 33°C.
The UKHSA and the Met Office have issued an amber heat–health alert for the West midlands, East Midlands, South East, London and the East of England from 9am tomorrow (Tuesday August 12) until 6pm on Wednesday August 13.
They recommend keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
'If you are doing to do a physical activity – for example exercising or walking the dog – plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening, they said.
Government officials have warned of 'significant impacts' across health and social care services due to the high temperatures – including the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
WHAT ARE THE TEN COMMONLY HELD MYTHS ABOUT DOGS?
It is easy to believe that dogs like what we like, but this is not always strictly true.
Here are ten things which people should remember when trying to understand their pets, according to Animal behaviour experts Dr Melissa Starling and Dr Paul McGreevy, from the University of Sydney.
1. Dogs don't like to share
2. Not all dogs like to be hugged or patted
3. A barking dog is not always an aggressive dog
4. Dogs do not like other dogs entering their territory/home
5. Dogs like to be active and don't need as much relaxation time as humans
6. Not all dogs are overly friendly, some are shyer to begin with
7. A dog that appears friendly can soon become aggressive
8. Dogs need open space and new areas to explore. Playing in the garden won't always suffice
9. Sometimes a dog isn't misbehaving, it simply does not understand what to do or what you want
10. Subtle facial signals often preempt barking or snapping when a dog is unhappy
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