TIPS have been issued to Brits on how to keep their cars cool for dogs ahead of the 30C heatwave this weekend.
As clear skies and sweltering temperatures grip parts of the country, pet owners are being reminded how to make sure their dogs stay safe.
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The mercury is expected to rise so high that the Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning.
the Level 2 Heat Health Alert Southern and eastern zones have been issued.
Sultry days could reach the low 30s across much of south-east England with warm nights in between.
The setting is activated when there is a 60 percent risk that temperature thresholds will be reached in one or more regions on at least two consecutive days and the night in between.
But the hot days ahead have prompted some advice from dog trainer Joe Nutkins.
She worries that pet owners are forgetting to consider how their pets will fare in the weather after discovering that many don’t know the optimum temperature for a car when traveling with a dog.
Canine Cottages found that two in five (39 percent) of dog owners don’t know the optimum temperature for a car when traveling with their canine.
More than one in six, 16 percent, are unsure if they can recognize signs of heat stroke in their dog.
With the heatwave coming to the UK, Joe is reminding dog lovers that their pet has a comfortable core temperature of 38-39°C, not far off that of humans, which is 37° c.
Climates around 15C are perfect for dogs as they can better regulate their temperature and are good for going for walks.
He said: “Anything higher than 18-21 degrees can quickly become too warm for dogs.
“If the temperature creeps up to 24-27 degrees, it’s too hot and many dogs will find this heat uncomfortable.”
While humans can sweat all over their bodies through their skin, dogs only have sweat glands in their paws, so they rarely sweat.
Nutkins said: “If your dog becomes overheated, he naturally uses thermoregulation to help control his temperature, such as panting to release heat through moisture on the tongue or by vasodilation where blood vessels expand, usually in the face and hands. ears, leading to a reddish hue. , prickly appearance.”
Other signs of heat stroke to watch out for are:
Adds Nutkins: “One of the biggest dangers to dogs if they are left in the car is that cars can heat up incredibly quickly during the day and this can make dogs feel very unwell. Heat stroke can lead to death in a very short time on a hot day.”
Vets Now says that dogs only have a 50 percent survival rate if they suffer from heat stroke, which can be fatal in just a quarter of an hour.
To prevent your dog from suffering from heat stroke, you can use cooling mats or cold coats.
It is important to get them out of the sun and place them in a shaded space.
If you have any suspicion that your dog is suffering from heat stroke, take him to a veterinarian for the best chance of saving his life.
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