Keep your canine companions cool during lockdown

As temperatures rise and summer approaches, Dogs Trust Manchester is offering top tips to help owners make sure dogs can stay safe and happy in the sun and keep cool during lockdown.

The charity is advising dog owners how they can keep cool – indoors as well as outdoors - and prevent them from overheating as the days get hotter.

The charity advises:

* Avoid walking or doing activities either indoors or outdoors with your dog at the hottest times of the day, so 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 ‘seven-second test’ – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws

* If you need to take your dog out in the car, even if travelling a short distance, avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day and never leave your dog in a car on a warm day. Not even with the window open.

Dogs Trust says that having fun with your dog indoors can be just as stimulating as a long walk, but owners still need to be aware that they need to make sure their dogs stay cool indoors too, so choosing the coolest room in the house, staying out of direct sunlight, always having fresh water available and making sure your dog has somewhere cool to relax and sleep.

Dogs Trust Manchester Manager, Dawn Bishop, said: “There are so many things we can do to make sure our dogs stay happy and healthy in hot weather, but it is crucial we keep a close eye on them, even if we are playing indoors as many of us are at the moment.

“If you want to spend time in your garden with your dog, make sure they have plenty of shade and if they have shown they are comfortable around water, introduce them carefully to a shallow paddling pool in the shade.

“If you do need to head out in the car with your dog, please be very careful.

"As little as 20 minutes can prove fatal if a dog is left alone in a car on a warm day.

"Many people still believe it's OK if the windows are left open or they're parked in the shade, but the truth is, it's not and we strongly advise that dog owners never leave their dog in a car on a warm day, even if it feels cool outside.”

If you see a dog in a car in distress, Dogs Trust advises that members of the public call 999.

Signs of a dog suffering from heatstroke include excessive panting, heavy salivation, vomiting or diarrhoea, lack of co-ordination or loss of consciousness.

Dogs Trust understands owners are anxious to ensure their four-legged friends are being well looked after and exercised in these difficult times, while we all stick to the government advice on each of the four nations.

While in England you can now go out to exercise as much as you like, please remember to keep your distance from other dog walkers, keep your dog on a lead and think about going out at a time of day when it might be a bit less busy.

Of course, some may need to use dog walkers, who are prioritising key workers – just be sure to hand your dog over in space large enough to maintain social distancing and to wash all equipment after your pooch returns.

For more information and advice, check out: www.dogstrust.org.uk

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