Dog owners urged to keep pets cool at night

Your Pets Daily Editor — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

As the UK prepares for warm temperatures this weekend, dog owners are being advised on how to keep their furry friends cool as they sleep.

Sleep experts at WinstonsBeds.com have shared five ways to ensure dogs don't overheat during the night.

Dogs generally have a higher body temperature than humans and the heat can cause them some serious discomfort and can be a threat to their health. While many dog owners will be conscious of keeping their dogs cool in the day, they should also be cautious during the night to prevent their pooches from experiencing overheating.

Rebecca Swain, mattress expert at WinstonsBeds said: "Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans and the warm weather can cause them a lot of discomfort. It's really important to do what you can to try and keep your four legged friend cool at night time when they're asleep.

"When temperatures are high, let your dog sleep elsewhere in your home. Opt for a cooler room with hard flooring or tiles as opposed to carpet. If you find that most rooms in your house are warm then do what you can to cool down your dog's sleeping area. This could be investing in a cooling mat or preparing the room before bed by opening the windows in the evening and drawing any curtains or blinds in the day to keep the sun out.

"It's important to make sure you're keeping your dog cool throughout the day so their body temperature is regulated before bed. Keep them well-hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible."

How to keep dogs cool while sleeping:

Find a cool location

If your dog's usual bed is in a room that is too warm then it's worth letting them sleep elsewhere where it's a bit cooler. This could be on tiled floors or just the coolest room in your house. Owners who usually sleep with their dogs in the bed may want to refrain from doing so when it's warm as they'll get far too hot.

Prepare the room before bed

It's a good idea to cool down the room your dog will be sleeping in as much as you can. Close any curtains and blinds and open the window in the evenings when the air outside is cool.

Use a cooling mat

Cooling mats are a great way to keep your pooch cool. The pressure from your dog will activate the gel within the mat which will absorb body heat and provide some relief from the heat.

Leave out a fresh supply of water

Make sure you leave out a fresh supply of water so your dog has access to some throughout the night. You may want to leave out multiple water bowls dotted around the home so they have easy access to it. Cooling bowls also keep water cool for several hours.

Keep your dog cool in the day

Regulating your dog's body temperature in the day will help keep them cool before bed time. Keep dogs in the shade, avoid walks if it's too hot, ensure they are well hydrated and use fans and air conditioning units to keep them cool.

Emergency vets issue stark heatstroke warning to dog owners of most vulnerable breeds

Your Pets Daily Editor — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000

The UK's largest emergency vets, Vets Now, has issued a summer warning to dog owners, after a study in their veterinary practices revealed French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs made up over a third (36.98%) of all emergency heatstroke cases.

The study by VetCompass at the Royal Veterinary College looked into the clinical records of 167,751 dogs under care at Vets Now emergency clinics to identify all dogs where heatstroke was identified.

The research identified 384 heatstroke cases, with Newfoundland dogs found to be over 15 times more likely to be at risk of heatstroke than a Labrador Retriever.

The study, published for the first time in 2024, underwent a rigorous two-year review process, looking at clinical records of dogs being treated at Vets Now emergency clinics in the summer of 2022.

As temperatures rise in the UK, dogs are becoming exposed to increasing risk of developing heatstroke. Vets are now urgently calling on owners to be more vigilant during the peak summer season, to keep dogs safe and avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Vet surgeon at Vets Now, Sophie Gilbert, who led on the Hot Dogs project for Vets Now when it was in progress said: "Each year we treat hundreds of cases of heat stroke in dogs and tragically, many of these prove to be fatal. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that is brought on by a rise in body temperature."

"The findings from the study show a higher risk of heatstroke in certain breeds. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds that include French Bulldog, Pug and English Bulldog had 4.21 times the risk of developing heatstroke compared to dogs with a natural length of canine skull such as a Labrador Retriever, Border Collie and German Shepherd dog."

"We cannot stress enough the importance for dog owners taking care during sudden periods of warm weather and learning how to recognise early signs of overheating so they can take immediate action - with extra caution being taken for more vulnerable breeds such as the flat-faced breeds."

"Being aware and hyper vigilant of your dog breeds specific needs and wellbeing could actually save their life this summer."

The study also found that 59.6% of all heatstroke cases in dogs occurred during heat-health alert periods, meaning over half of cases occurred in just 40 days. So owners should be alert to increased risks for their dogs during these extra-hot periods.

Over half of the cases reviewed as part of the research were triggered by dogs exercising (51.5%), whilst over one in five (22.6%) were triggered by hot weather outdoors.

To learn more about heatstroke in dogs and which breeds are most at risk, visit Vets Now's helpful online guide - https://www.vets-now.com/summer/dog-heatstroke-study/.

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Heatstroke explained

Heat stroke is a form of nonpyrogenic hyperthermia, which means a high body temperature not caused by a fever. It occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level. It is classed as a medical emergency.

Urgent treatment may be needed if your dog has heat stroke, so we advise owners contact their nearest vet as soon as possible for advice.

Dog breeds that the study found to be at highest risk of heatstroke

Newfoundland – 15.48 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever
Chow Chow – 11.46 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever
English Bulldog – 11.09 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever
French Bulldog – 6.03 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever
Pug – 4.59 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever
Pomeranian – 4.59 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever
Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 4.59 times more likely than a Labrador Retriever

Dogs at higher risk of heatstroke

Flat faced breeds
Dogs with double coats
Overweight dogs
Older dogs

Key signs of heat stroke in dogs to watch out for:

Faster, heavier panting
Barking, whining or signs of agitation
Excessive thirst
Excessive drooling
Increased pulse and heartbeat
Dark-coloured (red or purple) gums or tongue
Glassy eyes
Elevated body temperature of 40ºC (104ºF) and up
Staggering, weakness or collapse
Seizures
Unconsciousness

Vets Now's top tips to keep your pet cool

Restrict exercise on hot days. The best time to exercise your pet in the summer is between 8pm and 8am, so an early walk or later in the evening.
Never leave dogs in hot rooms or sun traps like conservatories.
Avoid long car journeys and use air conditioning.
Make sure they have access to a cool shaded place and cool drinking water.
Always take water on a walk.
Gently mist/spray your dog with cool water.
Ensure pets are in the shade when spending time outside.
Place them in front of a fan.
Never leave your dog in a parked car.
If they have long hair, keep your dog well-groomed in the summer and be especially vigilant for overheating.

If you are concerned your pet has heat stroke, contact your nearest vet immediately.

For more advice and information, or to find your nearest Vets Now emergency service, visit the Vets Now website, https://www.vets-now.com/.

Your Pets Daily - Tips for keeping dogs cool

Dog owners urged to keep pets cool at night

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Emergency vets issue stark heatstroke warning to dog owners of most vulnerable breeds

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