Nearly two-thirds of dog owners stress over how their four-legged pals fare in the heat – however 4 in 10 do not understand how to help them deal with increasing temperature levels
A quarter of dog owners confess they would not have the ability to identify the indications – if their family pet was overheating, according to a research study.
Some of the leading signs connected with heatstroke in dogs consist of “confusion”, and upset bellies – yet these essential indications would just be identified by 38%, and 31%, of owners, respectively.
And simply a 5th (19%), of the 2,000 dog owners would surveyed, would have the ability to recognize either pale or intense red gums as an indication that their pooch is having a hard time in the heat.
It likewise emerged that 63% of dog owners are worried for their furry friend as temperature levels increase – however 41% confess they do not understand how to help their animals cope in the warm weather.
Only 19% usage pet-friendly suncream on their pooch – while 57% do not lower the quantity of time they spend playing in the park with their family pet, regardless of the hotter temperature levels.
And a few of the methods they do attempt to cool their dogs down are recommended versus by family pet specialists – such as letting them swimming in open water (35%), or putting ice cold water over their feet, toes, or head (21%).
The research study was commissioned by Pets At Home – which is visiting the UK with an ice-cream van serving frozen treats specifically for dogs, ahead of the rumoured heatwave later on this month.
The van is presently rolling through 10 towns and cities throughout the UK – consisting of Bristol, Great Yarmouth, and Derby – to dispense dog-friendly frozen yoghurts complimentary of charge.
And the take on the standard vehicle will have specialists onboard to help owners comprehend the very best methods to keep their precious pups cool and unwinded when temperature levels are high.
An specialist from Pets at Home, which commissioned the research study of 2,000 dog owners, said: “We enjoy our animals, and wish to do the best thing by them.
“But it’s clear from this research study that lots of owners aren’t sure on the very best method to help keep their dogs cool throughout hot summertime weather condition.
“Dogs don’t sweat like people, and rather cool themselves down by panting – however on truly hot days, they’re most likely to require additional help to bring their temperature level down and prevent getting too hot.
“The finest method to do this is to ensure they have cooling mats, shaded locations, which they’re frequently consuming cool water. It’s fine to cool this utilizing ice.
“There’s lots of ways we can support owners in keeping their pets safe this summer, and we’re excited to meet many of them while onboard our ice-cream van – not only to give them and their dogs treats, but to share invaluable advice, too.”
Thankfully, owners do comprehend a few of the actions you can require to keep dogs cool – with 70% keeping them out of hot conservatories or spaces, while 6 in 10 provide cooling mats to push.
During the summer season, 78% will just walk their four-legged pals in the morning or night, in order to miss out on the day’s most popular temperature levels – yet just 65% will take paths that prevent hot pavements, to safeguard their puppy’s paws.
On average, dog owners will stop going on their normal strolls when the temperature level strikes 24°C, according to the OnePoll.com research study.
And when it pertains to car journeys with their pooch, 56% will just take a trip at cooler times in the day, and 55% take additional water breaks so their family pet can rehydrate.
5 LEADING POINTERS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY PETS COOL IN HEAT:
- Know the indications of heatstroke. Heatstroke can establish quickly, so it’s important to understand the indications to keep an eye out for – consisting of fast breathing or panting, sleepiness, and any odd behaviour.
- Keep them hydrated. Ice cubes are excellent for keeping animals hydrated, so attempt popping some in their water bowl if it gets truly hot – however ensure they are a proper size, which you monitor them while they’re enjoying their treat.
- Bring the shade. If you’re going out for the day, think about bringing a windbreak or pop-up camping tent so they have someplace to rest out of direct sunlight, and take a lot of fresh water with you.
- Watch out for hot surface areas. Make sure to examine the surface area temperature level with the back of your hand prior to letting your family pet roam, and constantly search for natural turf, as the synthetic type can warm up quickly in heat. On truly hot days, it’s finest to stick just to shaded locations where it’s much cooler.
- Don’t forget family pet-friendly suncream. If your pet is going to be spending a great deal of time outdoors, it’s a good concept to use some pet-friendly suncream, which has actually particularly been created for them to help safeguard their skin.