Using a bespoke temperature risk scale developed by a veterinary expert, David pinpoints the regions of the UK where hotter temperatures and higher humidity levels could put some of the nation’s nine million dogs at greatest risk of dehydration and heat stroke, as well as the areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, potentially causing undue stress in canines.
Dog temperature risk scale developed by vet Robert White-Adams:
· The “Medium Risk” range (approximately 16-19°C outside air temperature) for dogs over-heating is based on the equivalent environmental temperature range at which we start to see humans shedding their layers of clothing);
· The “High Risk” range (approximately 20-23°C outside air temperature) for dogs over-heating represents temperatures where humans also start to employ additional heat reduction mechanisms such as reducing their activity and seeking shade, breeze or air conditioning;and
· The “Very High Risk” (over 23°C outside air temperature) represents those temperatures at which humans struggle to stay “cool”, and therefore dogs with their much more limited capacity to lose heat are going to be highly susceptible to developing hyperthermia and heat stroke.
Commenting on his debut as a canine weather forecaster, David Haye said: “I’ve been a two weight world champion and fought in front of millions but being a weatherman for dogs is definitely a first. However, as a dog lover and owner I know too well the hazards our four legged friends face on a hot day. I hope that by presenting a weather pawcast I can help raise awareness of the issues that MORE TH>N is highlighting and encourage all dog lovers to be more mindful of how the warm weather affects their pets especially given the current temperatures”
Based on this weekend’s forecast, almost one million dogs have been identified by MORE TH>N Pet Insurance as being in ‘very high risk’ temperature zones, with the mercury expected to rise to 28 degrees celsius in London and the South East. Dog owners wishing to view the Weather Pawcast for the 25th, 26th and 27th July should go to www.youtube.com/morethan <http://www.youtube.com/morethan> .
Vet Robert White-Adams’ 10 Tips for Hot Weather:
1. Get your dog’s coat stripped, or even better, clipped short.
2. Change walkies time to early morning or late at night when the temperature is cooler. Take it easy and let your dog take things slow. It’s too hot for running, fetch and ball games.
3. If your dog is panting then stop and slow down and if possible find some shade.
4. Take water with you at all times and on walks gently spray your dog with a mist of water. Repeat often as the water evaporates and cools them down. However, do not douse or drench your dog with cold water.
Sudden cold shock can divert blood flow away from the skin and can actually make your dog hotter!
5. Make sure plenty of fresh drinking water in a clean bowl is available at all times (not too hot; not too cold). Check and refill throughout the day.
6. If you’re inside, open windows but keep the curtains drawn to keep the temperature down and make sure your dog has lots of space to move around.
7. Dehydration happens much quicker in warmer weather so if your dog is vomiting, has diarrhoea or stops drinking then seek help from your vet immediately.
8. Create somewhere cool for your dog to rest, such as placing a wet towel in a shady spot outside.
9. Place a fan near your dog and try putting an ice pack in front of the fan to cool the air it’s blowing.
10. Check up on your dog more often. A lot can happen in just a few hours so change your routine to keep an eye on your dog.
The Weather Pawcast follows research by MORE TH>N Pet Insurance which reveals just how ill-informed some dog owners are when it comes to their dogs’ in hot temperatures. Among the results of the research, conducted with 2,000 dog owners, was the finding that one in five (18%) has been forced to make an emergency visit to the vets after their dog suffered overheating and dehydration in the summer sun.
Further findings from the research include the shocking admission from 10% of dog owners that they will leave their dog in the car on a hot day, while 14% have forgotten to give their dogs water after taking them for a walk. Another 25% claimed they do not adapt or reduce their dog’s activity and exercise on in warmer temperatures, putting the animal at greater risk of heat stroke. What’s more, nearly a quarter (22%) of those polled admitted they do not take any water with them when they walk their dogs in hotter temperatures.
Matthew Poll, of MORE TH>N Pet Insurance, commented: “Unlike us, dogs can’t simply remove layers if they’re too hot and the consequences of over-heating can be fatal for them. As this research shows, greater attention needs to be given by owners to the weather and how to adapt their dogs’ routines and environments in relation to it. We hope that the Weather Pawcast will go some way to raising awareness of the issue and help dog owners better ensure the wellbeing of their dogs whatever the weather.”
The MORE TH>N Weather Pawcast will continue throughout the summer on MORE TH>N’s Facebook page. To see a seven-day doggie weather forecast for the UK visit www.facebook.com/morethan <http://www.facebook.com/morethan> .