With summer on its way its important to be aware of the risk warmer weather presents to your dog.
Spring has arrived and milder temperatures are approaching. For dog owners, there’s naturally a desire for your four-legged companion to enjoy the sunshine alongside you.
Plenty of pet owners opt to bring their dogs along for picnics or to relax in a sunlit pub garden on weekends. However, a veterinary expert is urging owners to remain mindful of potential hazards. Anyone who’s experienced sunburn understands just how uncomfortable it can be, and Dr Anna Foreman from Everypaw Pet Insurance emphasises that dogs experience identical discomfort.
She explained: “Sunburned skin is painful in animals as it is in humans. More chronically and seriously, repeated sunburn can lead to cancerous changes.”
Since dogs don’t synthesise vitamin D through their skin like humans do, there’s no health advantage to allowing your pet to bask in the sunshine – and doing so could potentially endanger them.
Despite dogs enjoying sunbathing (much like people), it’s crucial to restrict their sun exposure, reports the Express.
Dr Amy said: “Dogs should be limited to sunbathing for a maximum of 45 mins to an hour when the sun is particularly intense (11am-3pm).
“Dogs should always have shade to escape to (they tend to seek shade if too hot), and a bowl of fresh water available. They may also benefit from a clean, fresh water ‘pool’ or cool mat to cool down in/on too.”
When a dog becomes overheated, it risks developing heat stroke, where the body’s core temperature climbs above 39.2°C from prolonged exposure to external heat.
Certain dog breeds face heightened vulnerability to heat exhaustion.
Brachycephalic breeds like pugs and French bulldogs are particularly prone to heat stroke due to their respiratory issues and extra care needs to be taken with them in hot weather.
Furthermore, elderly dogs, along with those suffering from pre-existing health problems, cope less effectively with high temperatures.
Should you own a dog with sparse fur such as a Chinese crested sphynx, or one with a pink nose and ear tips, they face considerably greater risk of suffering sunburn.
The bridge of the nose, abdomen, and groin of all animals are at risk of sunburn because this is where their hair is the thinnest.
While lighter-coloured animals face heightened risk, darker-skinned dogs can also experience sunburn.
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