When should dog owners seek vet help for overheating as bulldog dies after 27C walk
A dog owner in Belshill was left heartbroken after her dog was taken out by a professional walker in 27C- and died shortly after. Mandy Lawrie, 63, returned home to find her two-year-old English Bulldog Shelby passed away on the floor, after CCTV revealed her dog walker had carried the heat exhausted pup back to the house.
Dave McGhee, who runs Dave's Dugs, has since apologised, after initially saying that the dog was fine when she was dropped back at the house- until the footage proved otherwise. The walker has been slammed for not seeking advice from a vet when it was clear that the pooch was unwell on Tuesday, August 14.
But what are the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs that were clearly missed by the professional walker, and when should you seek advice from a vet?
British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux says: 'Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn. Unfortunately, these can often be fatal."
We've rounded up some advice from the British Veterinary Association to make sure you can keep your pet safe in summer, including exactly when you should take your pet to the vet.
Here's everything you need to know.
Advice for walking your dog in the heat and when to see a vet
The vets share the following advice on their website for protecting your dog when walking them in hot weather:
Don't exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks.
Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws.
Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999.
The Kennel Club adds that walking on grass or shady dirt paths is safer for your pooch's paws than hot pavements.
If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give them small amounts of cold water to drink, and pour cold water over them to cool them down.
Seek immediate advice from your vet if you think your dog is showing signs for heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Signs of heat exhaustion in dogs
The first sign that your dog is overheating is excessive panting. If this occurs, take action immediately to cool down your pet.
Once overheating has developed, your dog may also:
Become restless and show discomfort
Vomit or have diarrhoea
Drool excessively
Have an increased heart rate
Lose coordination, have seizures or muscle tremors
If your pooch develops any of these symptoms, contact a vet immediately.
The exact temperature that's too hot to walk your dog
The experts at Kennel Club share a guide on their website that details exactly which temperatures are ideal for your dog to exercise and which are too hot for your pup to be outside.
Temperatures below 12C are described as perfect walking weather when your dog will be comfortable and ready to explore.
If the mercury is ranging between 12-19C, conditions are safe for most dogs, but keep an eye out for signs of overheating if they're running around a lot.
When the weather is 20-23C, however, owners should start to take precautions. Stick to shaded areas, keep walks short, and bring water.
And 24-26C is risky territory. The experts recommend only taking your dog out if it's absolutely necessary, and making it a quick, shady stroll.
And finally, if the mercury is 27C or above, it's simply too dangerous to walk your dog. Stay indoors or let them relax in a cool, shaded area instead.
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