‘Dogs die on hot walks’, new campaign warns
“It’s important that owners don’t let their guard down even when official warnings aren’t in place” – Anna Judson.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has joined forces with the RSPCA and other organisations to warn dog owners about the serious health risks posed by walking dogs in hot weather.
The new ‘Dogs Die on Hot Walks’ campaign will run alongside the well-known ‘Dogs Die in Hot Cars’ initiative, which has successfully raised public awareness of the dangers of leaving dogs in cars on hot days.
Owners will be urged to think carefully about when to walk their dog during hot spells and to follow the advice: ‘If in doubt, don’t go out.’
Last year’s summer heatwave has made the dangers of hot weather a priority. A BVA survey found that while 9 per cent of vets in small animal practice had seen at least one dog that had been left in a hot car in 2022, 38 per cent had seen a dog affected by the heat after being walked or exercised when the temperature was high.
Anna Judson, BVA junior vice-president, said: “Every year, vets see a large number of cases of dogs requiring treatment for heat-related conditions, many of which are a result of being walked or exercised during the hottest parts of the day. It’s important that owners don’t let their guard down even when official warnings aren’t in place.
“We would like to see it become the norm that dog owners always err on the side of caution when it comes to hot weather, and instead, walk their pets in the early morning or late dusk when temperatures are cooler.
“If every pet owner can arm themselves with the knowledge to detect the early signs of heatstroke, as well as get into the habit of appropriately leaving their dogs at home in a cool, well-ventilated space at the first sign of hot weather, we really believe many animals’ lives will be saved. Our message is simple - if in doubt, don’t go out.”
Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare specialist, added: “For so many of us, the start of warmer weather means we can spend more time outdoors in the sunshine. However, warm weather also comes with the increased risk to our dogs.
“Thanks to years of campaigning, public awareness of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars is well understood. However, exercising dogs in hot weather can also present a huge risk to our beloved animals and can be just as deadly. This is why every single dog owner needs to be savvy as we enter summer, and be mindful of potential harm caused to dogs by more strenuous or sustained exercise on warmer days.”
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
