Keep Your Dog Safe During Hot Weather

☀️ With hot weather expected across Staffordshire Moorlands, we’re reminding dog owners to take extra care to keep their pets safe from heat-related illness.

🐾 Top tips to protect your dog:

💧 Keep them hydrated

        ●       Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water.

        ●       Take water with you when out walking.

🌳 Avoid the hottest part of the day

        ●       Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.

        ●       If it’s too hot for you, it’s likely too hot for your dog. Missing a walk is far safer than risking heatstroke.

🔥 Protect their paws

        ●       Pavements and tarmac can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws.

        ●       Try the 5-second test – place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Walk on grass wherever possible.

🚗 Never leave a dog in a parked vehicle

        ●       Even with the windows open or the vehicle parked in the shade, temperatures inside can rise rapidly and become fatal.

        ●       If you see a dog in a vehicle showing signs of heatstroke or in immediate danger, call 999 immediately. If the dog does not appear to be in immediate distress but you are concerned for its welfare, call 101 or report your concerns to the RSPCA.

⚠️ Know the signs of heatstroke

Watch out for:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing • Heavy drooling • Lethargy or weakness • Vomiting or diarrhoea • Confusion, collapse or seizures If you suspect your dog has heatstroke:

        ●       Move them to a cool, shaded area.

        ●       Cool them immediately using cool (not ice-cold) water over their body, concentrating on the neck, chest, tummy and legs, and increase airflow if possible.

        ●       Contact a veterinary practice immediately. Remember: Cool first, transport second.

Some dogs are at greater risk, including flat-faced breeds (such as Pugs and Bulldogs), puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs and those with existing health conditions.

Please help keep our four-legged friends safe this summer by sharing this advice with family, friends and neighbours.

Staffordshire Moorlands Police

Working together to keep our communities – and their pets – safe.