The dog breeds most likely to suffer with rising temperatures – and how to help them beat the heat

A leading animal charity has issued a warning to pet owners as temperatures across the country continue to rise.

With the arrival of the sun and the news that Teesside is set to be almost as hot as Ibiza this weekend, The Dogs Trust has told animal lovers that ’20 is plenty’ when it comes to exercising dogs in warmer weather. The nation’s largest dog welfare charity has issued the guidance and warned owners of certain dog breeds to be extra cautious.

Temperatures as mild as 21C can be problematic for dogs, particularly for ‘flat-faced’ breeds like English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs. The latest research from the Royal Veterinary Collage (RVC) has even revealed that these dogs are 14 times more likely to suffer heat-related illnesses than Labradors, but there are plenty of things you can do to help your dogs beat the heat this summer.

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Over a third of owners of ‘flat-faced’ (also known as brachycephalic) breeds reported that heat regulation is an issue for their furry friend. While most dog lovers will be aware that extreme weather and heatwaves can be dangerous – sometimes deadly – for their pets, many aren’t aware that temperatures as low as 21C can cause heatstroke.

In some cases, heatstroke can prove fatal for animals so it is best to be aware of the risks and what you can do to prevent it. The symptoms of heatstroke can include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapsing.

How to help your dogs beat the heat this summer

The Dogs Trust has advised to avoid walking or exercising your dogs at the hottest time of the day(Image: Amer Ghazzal/REX/Shutterstock)

Avoid walking or doing activities with your dog at the hottest times of the day (early morning or later in the evening is often best.)
Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog and make sure they have access to fresh water at home at all times.
Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – check it with your hand before letting your dog walk on it so they don’t burn their paws. (Try the ‘five-second test’ – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.)
If you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the car on a hot day, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day.
Never leave your dog in a vehicle on a warm day, not even with the window open. (Leaving your pet alone in a vehicle or tied up outside can also put them at greater risk of being stolen.)
Use a cooling mat or wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel for your pet to lie on if they wish.
Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.
Don’t let your pet get sunburnt – use pet-safe sun cream.
Know the early signs of heatstroke which include panting, difficulty breathing, tiredness, less keen to play, drooling and vomiting, and take immediate action.

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. On a 22C day, the temperature inside a car could rise by eleven degrees in just ten minutes and as dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.