Temperatures of over 30 degrees this weekend had us, and our dogs panting. So we thought we’d share a bit of advice from a mountain club member, Chris Walker, about hiking with your four-legged friends.
‘At knee level the temperatures on paths are much higher than at your head level and often owners do not realise the stress being encountered by their pets. It’s also important to remember dogs, like people, have good and bad days. On some days we cope well and others we just battle along with the rest of the group.
Dogs are no different so look after your pooch by following these tips:
• Start and finish early before the heat of the day
• Take plenty of water for your dog (not that this will help much for dogs susceptible to heat stroke)
• Restrict your walk to something you are confident your dog can cope with
• Be on the lookout for abnormal behaviour, particularly the following:
- Excessive panting
- Constantly seeking shade
- Unnaturally dry and warm nose
- Unable to cope with terrain it can normally cope with
Keeping your animal well watered, allowing it to wallow in water as and when that is found, and staying in breezy and shaded spots will all help avert heat stress.'