DOG OWNERS HAVE been urged to keep their pets cool and rethink their walking routines amid the warm weather. 

Met Éireann has said it could reach 30 degrees in some parts of the country today. 

According to Dogs Trust, those with dogs should keep walks to 20 minutes or less once temperatures reach around 20 degrees.

They should also try to walk dogs earlier in the day or late at night when temperatures are cooler – or skip walks altogether on particularly hot days.

The charity said that when air and ground temperatures rise, dogs can struggle as they rely on panting or releasing small amounts of heat through their paw pads to cool down. This means they can easily overheat, especially on walks or during play.

“While some dogs cope better with warmer temperatures, it’s always best to err on the side of caution,” Dogs Trust’s veterinary and welfare manager Niamh Curran-Kelly said. 

She said that certain dogs are more at risk, including flat-faced breeds like bulldogs or pugs, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs and those with underlying health conditions.

However, Curran-Kelly said no dog is immune and heatstroke can develop quickly in any breed. 

If a dog shows signs such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, vomiting, lethargy or collapse, owners should be quickly moved to a cool area and use room temperature water to cool them before contacting their vet immediately. 

Dogs Trust is reminding owners to ensure their dog always has access to fresh drinking water and a cool shaded place to relax, both indoors and outdoors.

Dogs should never be left alone in a car on a warm day, as temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly within minutes even when it’s mild outside, creating life-threatening conditions. Parking in the shade and leaving the windows down does little to keep a car cool in hot weather.

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