Five common heatwave mistakes from pet owners – and how to avoid them
With temperatures rising in the UK this week, experts at Woodgreen Pets Charity are warning owners of the five most common mistakes they could be unknowingly making, putting their beloved dogs at risk.
Sue Ketland, behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen and a familiar face on Channel 4’s The Dog House, has shared advice on how these mistakes can be avoided to help prevent your dog from heat-related illnesses.
1. Letting your dog sunbathe in the garden
“Even on milder warm days, dogs can overheat simply from being in the garden or resting in a hot room,” says Sue. “As a rule, extra care should be taken for all pets once temperatures reach 20 degrees outside – something many people don’t realise. Dogs don’t sweat like humans and rely on panting to control their body temperature, so they can easily overheat and are at risk of heatstroke. Certain dog breeds, such as short-nosed breeds like Bulldog types, or very young, old or unwell dogs, can really struggle even in milder temperatures. So, if you want to sit outside and enjoy the warm weather, make sure your dog has a cool spot to retreat to, limit their time outside or leave them inside.
2. Opening doors and windows
“Contrary to popular belief, it’s important to keep your doors and windows closed during the day to protect your pet,” says Sue. “So many people instinctively think the best way to cool the house is to fling open all their windows as wide as possible, but this actually does more harm – you want to keep the heat out, not let it in! Keep curtains closed, only opening them first thing in the morning and in the evening. Glass acts as a radiator and the sunshine bursting through your house can quickly heat up a room.”
3. Only using fans for humans
“Even if your dog is in a cool indoor space, they can still overheat if they don’t have adequate airflow – which is just as dangerous as them being outside when it’s hot,” says Sue. “Switch on a fan that’s aimed towards an area where your pet can lie to circulate as much cool air as possible and keep the hot air out – it’s also important that they can remove themselves from the fan if they wish.”
4. Walking in the shade during the day
A common hot weather misconception is that walking your dog in the shade is OK because it’s not in the direct sunlight – but even shady areas can still be too hot during the day, leading to a real risk of heatstroke and burnt paws. Grass can be cooler than paths, but it still retains the heat. Use the back of your hand to gauge the temperature, whether it’s a path or grassy area – if it feels hot on the back of your hand, chances are it’ll be painful for your dog.”
5. Not refreshing water bowls
“Hydration is key in hot weather and your dog needs constant access to cool, fresh water. Many pet owners forget to refresh their dog’s bowl, leaving warm water sitting in it until it runs out,” says Sue. “Not only is warm, stagnant water unappealing, it’s also less effective at keeping dogs hydrated. Make sure you change the water often and place multiple water sources around your house to encourage your four-legged pal to drink. You can even put a few ice cubes in their water as an additional way to cool them down.”