The Clinical Director of a Sandbach veterinary practice is warning dog owners not to walk their pets during the heat as temperatures soar.

Pavements get too hot for their paws and temperatures in cars behind windscreens can become too much for dogs.

The warning comes after The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today (Thursday) upgraded its heat-health alert for the North West to amber, as temperatures rise. 

And it comes after the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urged pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe and to act quickly if they spot early signs of heatstroke.

Rachel Booth. Clinical Director of Cheshire Pet said: "No dog ever suffered from missing some walks, but walking in this heat can be fatal. 

"It is so, so sad when we have collapsed dogs brought in to us as emergencies with heat stroke, many which sadly don't survive. 

"This is a completely preventable condition. Consider finding a way to stimulate them at home in the cool, instead of a walk, such as brain games and using frozen lickimats.

"If you are at all worried about your pet in this heat, please act quickly and contact us for advice ASAP. We are here to help however we can."

If you're worried about your pet, you can call Cheshire Pet Sandbach on 01270 765555.

The British Veterinary Association also agreed dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating.

"Unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal, " said a spokesperson.

"Flat-faced breeds such as English or French bulldogs and pugs are at even greater risk, as their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and therefore they struggle to cool down through panting, which is a dog's main way to cool its body temperature. Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk. 

"Like dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant to regulate their body temperature and cool down, which is why it's important that their hutch or run isn't exposed to direct sunlight at any time of the day. " 

 BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey during 2022's record-breaking heatwave revealed that half (51%) of all vets in the UK saw cases of animals requiring treatment for heat-related illness.

Dogs were the most common animal seen with heat-related conditions reported by 51% of small animal vets, followed by rabbits (9%) and cats (6%)

• Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits' ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn't stress them. 
• Don't exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks. 
• Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws. 
• Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999. 
• Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures. 
• If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet. 
• Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs. 

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