Vets and UK-based animal charity the RSPCA have issued a heatwave warning for dog owners, highlighting dog breeds that are most at risk in hot weather and advising owners not to walk their pets in the intense heat.
Dog owners have been warned to take extra care in sweltering temperatures, as this could prove fatal for beloved pups. Aside from heatstroke, also commonly referred to as heat exhaustion that displays these symptoms in dogs, there is also a greater risk of heart failure and serious injury.
According to the experts, purebred dogs have twice the risk of crossbreeds and they have indicated that at least nine breeds in particular are of high risk of heatstroke.
Chow Chow dogs are 17 times likely, followed by the Bulldog who are 14 times at risk. The top five are completed with the French Bulldog, French Mastiffs, and Greyhounds, followed by King Charles Spaniels, Pugs, English Springer Spaniels, and then Golden Retrievers.
Emergency animal care provider, Vets Now, recorded a spike of callouts during the heatwave, warning that temperatures over 20C puts dogs at greater risk of heatstroke, with a survival rate of just 50%. This came as a devastated pet owner shared the sad news that her French Bulldog tragically died after a brief walk – despite showing no signs of an illness.
If you want to know more about how to spot the signs of heatstroke in dogs, read our useful guide. Remember to keep safe at all times to protect our pooches, so they can comfortably enjoy the summer!
