A vet has warned dog owners about the risks of letting your pets stay out in the blistering sun for too long as the UK gears up for sky-high temperatures.
A vet has shared a warning to dog owners ahead of the sunny spell(Image: Krit of Studio OMG via Getty Images)
With temperatures across the UK forecast to reach up to 30C over the coming days, pub gardens and outdoor terraces are certain to be packed with sun-seekers.
While many will bring their cherished dogs along to bask in the glorious weather, a prominent vet has highlighted a potential danger.
Dr Anna Foreman, the in-house veterinary expert at Everypaw Pet Insurance, has issued an urgent cancer warning to dog owners in advance of the sunny period.
As temperatures climb, Dr Anna has warned against leaving pets exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged durations: “Dogs like to sunbathe for the same reasons we do – enjoying the warmth and bright light. It provides a relaxing sensation which promotes rest and wellbeing.
“[However], much like with us, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke if they are in the sun for an excessive period of time [so] should be limited to sunbathing for a maximum of 45 minutes to an hour when the sun is particularly intense (11am-3pm).”
The vet adds: “Sunburned skin is painful in animals as it is in humans. More chronically and seriously, repeated sunburn can lead to cancerous changes. We particularly see this on the ear tips and noses of white animals, especially cats.”
Dr Anna has explained precisely how much time dogs should spend in the sun, while emphasising the dangers of overexposure – including heatstroke, sunburn and potentially cancerous developments. She has also pinpointed which animals are most at risk, and provided her expert recommendations on protecting dogs during spells of extreme heat, reports the Express.
Does the sun have any health benefits for dogs?
Unlike humans, dogs are unable to absorb UVB rays through their skin, which means they rely completely on their diet for vitamin D. Sunlight does, however, aid in the production of the hormones melatonin and serotonin – just as it does in humans – and consequently sun exposure helps maintain a dog’s circadian rhythm, promoting both sleep quality and general mental health.
How long should dogs be allowed in the sun for?
Much like humans, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke if exposed to the sun for extended periods. Dogs should be limited to sunbathing for no longer than 45 minutes to an hour during the sun’s peak intensity (between 11am and 3pm).
Dogs must always have access to shade (they instinctively seek it out when overheating), alongside a bowl of fresh water. They may also benefit from a clean, fresh water ‘pool’ or cooling mat to assist them in regulating their temperature.
Dr Anna adds: “Dogs with breathing issues, such as brachycephalic breeds, or those suffering from respiratory disease, should not be allowed to lie in the sun at all, as the increase in body temperature and subsequent need to pant to cool down will put significant strain on already compromised airways.”
The vet further warns: “Dogs in general should not be exercised in the middle of the day in warm weather – instead the cooler early mornings (before 8am) or evenings (after 8pm) are far safer.
“Generally it is safe to walk your dog in temperatures under 20C, although dogs who are of a large or flat faced breed, or who are obese or suffering from other health conditions should always be kept a close eye on in any temperature.”
Even healthy, fit dogs undergoing vigorous exercise are at risk of heatstroke in temperatures as modest as 20-23C. Extreme vigilance is essential when exercising any animal to any extent in temperatures exceeding 24C.
Dr Anna advises: “Instead of a walk in the heat, consider setting up a paddling pool for your dog in the shade in the garden to play (monitored) in, or indoor games in a cool room such as puzzle feeders, lick-e-mats and games with soft toys. If it is too hot to exercise a dog all together, particularly over a longer period, then cutting down the quantity of food and treats given is a good way to prevent weight gain.”
What are the potential dangers of dogs being outside in the sun for too long?
Heatstroke
If a dog becomes overheated, it risks developing heat stroke, where the body’s core temperature rises above 39.2C due to sustained exposure to external heat. Some breeds are far less capable of coping with heat – especially during exercise – than others.
The vet explains: “Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are particularly prone to heat stroke and so extra care should be taken with these dogs in hot weather. Additionally, older dogs, as well as those with underlying health conditions, do not tolerate the heat as well as younger healthy ones.
“Dogs in general should not be exercised in the middle of the day in warm weather – instead the cooler early mornings or evenings are far safer.”
Sunburn
Dogs with poorly pigmented skin or a thin hair coat are at risk of sunburn and an increased likelihood of developing skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. Dogs, cats and other mammals with pink noses or ear tips are equally at risk.
“Sunburned skin is painful in animals as it is in humans. More chronically and seriously, repeated sunburn can lead to cancerous changes.”
Cancerous changes
Dr Anna cautions: “Cancers such as malignant squamous cell carcinoma can lead to ear flaps (pinnae) needing to be removed – they can be very locally invasive and tumours can end up being non-resectable if left for extended periods of time.
“Those on the nose are very difficult to remove in their entirety due to the tight skin and close association with the skull bone/cartilage.”
Pavements
Sizzling pavements present a further significant danger to pets during warm weather. The vet recommends that if a pavement is too hot for you to hold the back of your hand against for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
