Animal charity issues advice to dog-owners ahead of heatwave

Look out for your furry friend this summer.

As we head into the hottest months of the year, we can't forget about how this affects our pets. Temperatures in Ireland are set reach highs of up to 26 degrees this week as the hot weather currently baking parts of Europe makes it way further north. The ISPCA has offered tips on how to protect our dogs during this time. "Pets can become dehydrated and overheat quickly, so know the signs of overheating. These include excessive panting, increased heart rate, dry or pale gums and weakness or collapse," the charity says. "To avoid overheating, try not to overexert your pet on walks, and make sure they always have access to fresh water and a shady spot to sit in." When bringing your dog for a walk on a hot day, it's important to bring plenty of water for your dog to drink or to splash on them. The charity also reminded people that dogs can die if left in hot cars. "Pet owners often think leaving a window open is sufficient for their pet but this is not enough to prevent heatstroke under intense sunshine which can have fatal consequences. "We all love the sunshine but it is important to be aware of the dangers that can be caused by leaving a dog unattended in a vehicle during hot weather, even for 10 minutes can prove to be fatal." Dr Dan O’Neill, an associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at London’s Royal Veterinary College, said dogs are particularly susceptible to a number of illnesses in the heat.