Summer may not have arrived with a bang, but the weather is starting to warm up – even if the sun is not yet blazing.

Sadly, we have already had our first case of heatstroke at the practice, and we know from experience, that it will not be the last.

Not all heatstroke cases involve dogs being left in cars on hot days – more often we see them in dogs that have over-exercised on a hot day.

With their thick coats, dogs are not that great at getting rid of excess body heat – they can pant but this is not nearly as efficient as us humans sweating.

The trouble is that dogs enjoying a game or frantic exercise will not have the self-awareness to limit themselves, if they are chasing a ball that they love they will not stop and think about overheating – often until it is too late.

That is why, in the heat of the summer months, we owners must be the sensible influence.

Always try and exercise your dog in the cooler mornings and evenings, or if you must exercise them in the middle of the day try and seek shade and avoid frenetic chasing games. Always offer plenty of access to water and frequent rests.

I am as bad as the next owner when it comes to enjoying exercising my dog – Choco (my Border Terrier) and I run for miles – never more so than when I am marathon training which I am right now. However, I have now instituted a strict policy that Choco only does the first bit of a run with me, I then drop him home to a cool house and plenty of water before completing my long runs.

Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 267083