People are being urged to keep their furry friends safe in the sun as the warm weather continues.
Dogs Trust Ireland is asking owners not to take any risks when it comes to their dog's safety, especially in terms of exercise.
A UK veterinary study commissioned in 2020 found the most common cause of potentially fatal heatstroke is dogs being exercised by their owners.
This can include dogs walking, playing or running with their owners, and was responsible for 74% of heat stroke cases.
Over two-thirds of these cases occurred after simply walking in the heat.
Lurcher Fiachra stays cool at the Dogs Trust in Finglas, Dublin. Picture by: Fran VealeDogs Trust is appealing to owners to avoid taking their dogs out during the hottest times of the day.
It recommends walking dogs early in the morning or late in the evening instead.
Common signs of heatstroke in dogs include panting heavily, drooling excessively, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting, collapsing or diarrhoea.
A dog pokes his nose through the fence of an animal shelter, wondering who is going to take him home. Picture by: David Baileys / Alamy Stock PhotoNiamh Curran-Kelly is Veterinary and Welfare Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland.
"Dogs aren't able to cool themselves down as effectively as people, and they have to rely on panting or releasing small amounts of heat through their paw pads," she said.
"When the air and ground temperatures rise, it becomes much more difficult for them to do this so they can overheat very easily.
"If you think your dog might be suffering from heatstroke, it’s vital that you quickly move them to a cooler location and contact your vet immediately for advice.
"Describe your dog’s symptoms to your vet, while making an active attempt to cool them down.
"Offer them cool, but not cold, water to drink and pour small amounts of room temperature water on their body.
"The main goal is to return their body temperature to normal as quickly as possible, but not so quickly as to cause shock," she added.
The charity is also reminding dog owners of the ever-important message: never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day - just a few minutes in a hot car can be fatal.
More information can be found here
