Animal charity issues warning to dog owners as temperatures soar

Ellen O'Donoghue

The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) has advised dog owners to be vigilant of their pets during the prolonged period of hot weather Ireland is currently experiencing.

The organisation said it is essential for owners to keep pets cool and safe, as heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that can develop if an animal becomes too hot.

Heatstroke in pets can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and death.

Dogs are particularly at risk of developing heatstroke on warm days when they are outside exercising and playing, but it can also be caused by being in a warm room without proper ventilation, being kept somewhere hot such as a car, conservatory or kennel.

Any dog can develop heatstroke, but flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs are most at risk.

To help dogs stay cool in warm weather, the DSPCA recommends that owners only walk them when it is cool, in the early morning and evening, and to avoid walking any dog during the hottest hours of the days – from 12pm-4pm.

Further, owners should allow dogs lots of time for breaks in the shade, providing water, and allowing their dogs to cool down. Light exercise is recommended over vigorous exercise.

Lots of shade and plenty of water should be provided, while unnecessary travel should be avoided, and the DSPCA reminded owners never to leave dogs in cars, even if the windows are open, as a car will remain too hot for any pet.

Owners with flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old or very young dogs should be extra cautious.

When understanding how hot is too hot, the DSPCA said that temperatures between 16-19 degrees are generally safe for dogs to exercise in, but dogs at most risk of heat stroke should still only be lightly exercised in the cool parts of the day – those being early mornings and late evenings.

If temperatures are between 20-23 degrees, no dog should be exercised rigoriously, and all exercise should take place during cool parts of the day. Play times should be short and dogs should be given lots of time to cool down.

However, if the temperatures are between 24-27 degrees, extreme caution should be taken. Exercise should only be extremely light and take place when the sun has set. Owners should focus on giving their dogs cooling treats, toys, and plenty of opportunities to spend time in the shade.

Temperatures of 28-31 degrees are dangerous for all, but life-threatening for larger breeds and puppies as well as dogs who are flat-faced or obese. Dogs should stay cool and in the shade with lots of water.

Temperatures of 32 degrees or higher pose a major risk of heatstroke to everybody.

The DSPCA stressed that while 20 degrees may not seem overly hot, pets, especially dogs, can still struggle in the heat, particularly doing exercise or if left in enclosed spaces like cars or conservatories.

Suzanne McGovern, head of operations at the DSPCA, said that while the sunny and warm weather is “a lovely change for us”, it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous for our pets.

“It is important that all pet owners are always vigilant and responsible. Plan ahead, ensure your pet can rest in the shade and has access to lots of water. It is important we all enjoy the hot but do so in a fun, responsible and safe way,” she said.

If you see an animal in trouble or distress, particularly in a car, even if the window is open or in an outdoor area without shade or water, contact the DSPCA on 01 4994700 or info@dspca.ie.