A vet has issued a serious warning to dog owners who have fake grass in their gardens as the weather heats up.
Doctor Samantha Webster, a veterinarian at Joii Pet Care, has previously advised owners not to walk their dogs when the sun is too hot.
He suggests that it’s better to take them out early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler. Now he’s giving another warning to those who have artificial grass in their yards.
She said it can be just as bad for pets to play in the yard when it’s hot as walking in the sun.
He explained: “A very common danger for cats and dogs in both summer is hot surfaces, which can quickly result in painful and burning feet.”, reports The Mirror.
He suggests: “To test the temperature of the surface they’re likely to walk on, try holding the back of your hand against it for at least seven seconds – if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your furry comrades. .”
He also said: “Although it won’t be as hot as tarmac or paving slabs, artificial grass can also pose a risk to your pet’s paws in the summer. It’s really important to remember that if you have artificial grass in your garden, it will heat up quickly if under direct sunlight and so should be treated with the same care as pavement.”
“With recent research suggesting that as many as one in ten UK homeowners have already replaced their natural lawn with artificial grass and a further 29 per cent considering making the swap, the risk that it’s set to be bigger than ever this summer.”
“If your outdoor space doesn’t have any natural grass (which stays cooler), you should make sure you create areas of shade or place cool, damp towels to rest them and avoid leaving them without person.”
“Once the heat of the day has passed and the temperature has dropped significantly, you can safely allow them to roam free outside – but again, do the seven-second temperature check if in doubt.”
According to Animal Friends Pet Insurance, the average cost of veterinary sunstroke treatment was more than $400 last year.
They also found that bull, terrier and labrador breeds were more at risk of developing severe sunstroke. said Dr.
Samantha Webster, who partners with Animal Friends Pet Insurance said: “Sunstroke occurs when a dog or pet cannot effectively regulate their body temperature.”
“Unlike humans who can sweat from almost anywhere on the body, dogs can only sweat through their feet. To keep cool, they release heat by panting but as the temperature begins to rise, it becomes more difficult for the dog to cool down by panting as they take in hotter air than they take in. Their fur coats add to this problem by retaining heat and preventing loss of heat.”
“Your dog is at greater risk of sunstroke when exercising on a hot day. If your dog is experiencing sunstroke, there are some obvious signs to look out for. These include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, shaking and vomiting.”
“If a dog begins to show any of these signs, owners should act immediately by taking them to a shaded area so that their pet can begin to cool down. They should apply cold and wet towels over their pet’s body, paying attention to the neck, armpits and between the hind legs. Owners can also wet the ears and paw pads of their pet with cold water dog.”
“Make sure your pet has access to water but don’t let them drink too quickly because there’s a risk they’ll inhale it. If they don’t drink, keep their tongue wet by putting water on it carefully,” says Dr. Webster. “The most important thing to remember is to never give ice to a dog suffering from sunstroke, as it can shock their system.”
“Once you have followed these first aid steps, take them to a vet as soon as possible to seek expert advice. When the temperature reaches 24C, sunstroke becomes a high possibility and the severe -caution should be taken, especially with large, very young or flat. -looks like a dog.”
“At 28C, the heat becomes dangerous for all dogs but life-threatening for larger breeds, puppies or flat-faced dogs again. You should not walk a dog or allow a dog to sit in the sun when it has been 32C or hotter as at this temperature, sunstroke is a major risk for all dogs regardless of condition, size or breed.”
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