Dog owners told to adapt routine during weekend heat
Dogs can struggle to regulate their temperature during hot weather
An animal charity in Wiltshire says there are some simple methods for dog owners to keep their pets cool this weekend.
An amber heat-health alert remains in place and temperatures are still high, leading to a call for action by Dogs Trust Salisbury.
Rehoming Manager, Abi Tate, says the heat affects dogs ability to regulate their temperature, which they do through panting.
She said it's a challenge for them at the rehoming centre in Newton Tony, near Salisbury, and they have to adapt the daily routine of the dogs in their care, and is encouraging us to do the same.
She recommends freezing some food before giving it to our pets, meaning it's cool and keeps their brain busy, as well as laying damp towels on the floor of using a paddling pool.
But dogs also need exercise, so should we take our dogs out for walks in this heat?
"I think generally when it's this hot, it's much safer to just skip walks altogether," Abi told us. "If your dog is used to walks, there's a lot of other things you can do with them at home. So things like brain games, you can hide treats and things in cardboard boxes and even toilet rolls, just your household stuff."
If dogs are walked, it's strongly advised that it's early in the morning or late in the evening when it is cooler.
"Stick to the shaded areas like woodlands and just avoid hot pavements altogether. If you can't put the back of your hand on a pavement for more than five seconds without it burning, it's way too hot for your dog to go out walking," Abi said.
Owners are told to look out for excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea as symptoms of a dog suffering heart stroke.
She said the plan of action in that scenario is "cool first, transport second": "Move your dog into a cool or shaded area, but do not place a wet towel over them as this can actually increase their body temperature.
"From that point, get your dog into an air conditioned car and get the dog to the vet as soon as possible, keeping the car cool with air conditioning."
Any dog can get heat stroke but breeds with flat faces, like French Bulldogs and pugs, dogs that older, those that are overweight, or that have medical conditions are more vulnerable.