EUROPE IS BEING hit by severe temperatures this week, with this extreme heat now becoming the norm in Ireland and across the region. This kind of heat affects everything and everyone, including your pets.

So, it’s more important than ever for dog owners to understand how high temperatures impact their pets. Dogs are far less efficient at cooling themselves down than humans, and even moderately warm weather can become dangerous for them if precautions aren’t taken.

Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Research by the Royal Veterinary College in the UK has shown a sharp increase in heatstroke cases among dogs in recent years, with a concerning rise in incidents involving hot vehicles.

However, the most common trigger for canine heat stroke isn’t confinement in a car, but exercise. A study of over 900,000 dogs found that over 74% of heatstroke cases were caused by physical activity in warm weather. Even a short walk in high temperatures can be too much, especially for certain breeds.

Dogs are generally comfortable in temperatures between 15 °C and 21 °C. Once the temperature rises above 22 °C, owners need to start adapting their dog’s routine.

This might mean walking only at dawn or late evening, reducing physical activity and ensuring plenty of time indoors in shaded or ventilated areas. Temperatures above 24 °C are considered hazardous for most dogs, and prolonged exposure can become life-threatening.

Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Unlike us, dogs don’t sweat across their bodies.........

© TheJournal