There are seasonal issues that I write about at the same time almost every year – sometimes I feel as though I might be becoming a bore; however, this week, I do not care that I am repeating myself because what I have to say is so important. Please, please - as we enter one of the most severe heatwaves I can remember – do not over exercise your dog in this heat.
I have been contacted by a number of my regular readers asking me to write on the subject as they have seen dogs out and about in inappropriate conditions.
For example, one of my colleagues was driving home last week – the thermometer in her car still reading 27C and she witnessed a British Bulldog being walked along a tarmac pavement.
That pavement would have been hot, and Bulldogs are a Brachycephalic breed (meaning they have a shortened nose and struggle to dissipate heat through panting), this dog would have been struggling with every step.
This is just one example, and we have many, many more at the practice. The very real risk of exercising a dog in the heat is heatstroke, a condition that even with treatment can be fatal.
If you must walk your dog, then do it very early in the morning or late in the evening and ideally in shade. Take plenty of water and avoid chasing and ball games. One of my vet nurses put it very succinctly: missing a walk on a ridiculously hot day will not kill your dog, going for a walk on a ridiculously hot day might well do.
Alice Moore is a vet at Castle Veterinary Clinic, Dorchester and Weymouth. Tel 01305 267083
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