A PET expert has shared a simple test that instantly lets you know if it’s too hot to walk your dog. And don’t worry, it’s super quick and easy - and takes just seven seconds. So with the weather heating up , if you were thinking of taking your pooch out for a stroll today, you’ll need to listen up.
A dog and cat Nutrition Expert from Regina’s Pet Food Experts, issued the urgent warning to dog owners, leaving many very thankful. The animal pro who is from California , US , shared her simple trick online in a clip that was shared with the caption ‘Heat exhaustion and more importantly heat stroke can be deadly for our dogs. Use this easy test to be sure it's not too hot to walk your dog.
’ The dog lover then said: “How do you know if it's too hot to walk your dog? Read more dog stories “There's an easy test that you can do to make sure that it is not too hot to walk your dog.” The content creator put her hand on the pavement, as she advised: “Place your hand backside down on the pavement. “If you can't hold it there for at least seven seconds, it is too hot to walk your dog.
” The animal expert also added: “If it was 25 degrees or 77 degrees Fahrenheit, it would be too hot to walk the dog.” Most read in Fabulous And according to the Met Office , with temperatures in London set to hit 33 degrees today, you’ll need to think twice before you leave the house with your pooch. The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ houseofpawsboutique , has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 58,200 views.
Dog owners were appreciative of the simple trick and were keen to express this in the comments. One person said: “Easy trick, thank you.” In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather.
.. Firstly, those with underlying health problems.
Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog.
Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate . Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in.
However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back.
In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs . These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces.
Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather. Another added: “Some people just don’t think about this.
Thanks for bringing awareness.” Meanwhile, a third commented: “I let my dog choose where to walk. There are grass options everywhere we go.
” But to this, the animal pro shared: “Sometimes grass measures hotter than pavement!” The content creator also penned: “If it's too cold or too hot for us, it is for them too!” EVERYONE'S doing their best to beat the heat and stay cool as temperatures soar. So here's The Sun's best advice on what you can do to keep your pet cool during hot weather . CATS: Drop some ice cubes in your cat's drinking bowl.
Wait until the end of the day before you play with kitty, when its cooler. Pet your cat with a wet cloth, most cats don't mind some moisture on their fur. DOGS: Give them a wet towel to lay on.
Avoid walking on hot pavements and consider getting booties for them to insulate their toes. Avoid exercise at the hottest parts of the day. Not only this, but according to Kathleen Pohl , a vet from Pet Health Club, there’s an ‘extremely dangerous’ temperature that could cause 'life-threatening heat stroke ' for pets .
This vet claimed that the “ideal temperature to walk your dog in” is between five and 15 degrees. She stressed that there is “no evidence of heat stroke risk at this range”, and as a result, dogs can enjoy outdoor activities and walks. EXPERTS are warning pet owners to be vigilant when it comes to taking their dogs out this summer - especially when it comes to taking them to the beach.
Dr Rebecca MacMillan says it is important that dog parents are well prepped to ensure a safe trip away with their dog. From consumption of salt water, to open holes, the Gloucestershire-based vet says there are hidden hazards to look out for. Angela Laws, who is head of community at British pet-sitting platform TrustHousesitters, also urges pet owners to “prioritise safety” and to “be aware of potential hazards.
” Preventing injuries Large holes can be hidden amongst the sand, which can cause injury if your dog trips or falls into it. Dr Rebecca is warning pet owners, as if you are playing fetch with them, your dog might not be “expecting a hole” as they are running, which can cause them to fall and injure themselves. Talking to the Femail, Dr Rebecca also wanted to be mindful of other beach-going pets if you and your dog choose to dig a hole and to fill it back up before heading off.
Food for thought Although you would never dream of drinking the water from the sea, your pets may view it as a large bowl of water for them. However, seawater consumption is extremely dangerous for your dogs according to Dr Rebecca. Drinking saltwater can disrupt the “balance of electrolyte in the body and cause dehydration,” according to Rebecca.
This is also the case for sand as too much sand can cause a painful obstruction, “which may require surgery.” Check the temperature Just like humans, pets can get heat stroke too. It is most likely to occur when the body’s temperature rises above 36C and hits 40C.
Dr Rebbeca suggests caution when the weather outside hits 25C, and especially if it's over 27C. She also warned pet owners to do their research on the type of breed of their dog, as some will be much more “prone to heatstroke.” Dr Rebecca says these dogs include flat-faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs, and large breeds with thick coats.
She urges dog parents to make sure their pet is well hydrated, try to keep them in the shade and remember to be aware of their paws burning on the ground. Digging dangers Dr Rebecca there could be anything from discarded BBQ’s with hot coals, to broken glass or sharp objects. She said: “If your pooch is prone to digging, make sure you’re nearby in case of any unexpected finds.
” However, when temperatures rise to 24 and up to 27 degrees, according to this vet: “Most dogs will find the heat very uncomfortable - while it's not immediately life threatening, prolonged exposure can lead to overheating and exhaustion.” As a result, the Veterinary Surgeon advised that during these temperatures, dogs should be walked early in the morning or late at night, when it's cooler. Not only this, but the vet claimed that any temperature above 32 degrees is extremely dangerous for dogs.
The vet highlighted: “At this level there's a high risk of life threatening heat stroke. READ MORE SUN STORIES "Dogs can suffer from dehydration, rapid heart rate, even organ failure.” Issuing an urgent warning to dog lovers, the expert concluded: “Remember, a dog has never died from skipping a walk, but they die every year from heat stroke.
Don't walk your dog in the heat.”.
