"It’s easy to think that you’re keeping your dog safe in the hot temperatures by avoiding dog walks and direct sunlight, but you could be mistakenly putting your dog at risk inside too." explains Dr Emma Chadley who works alongside pet insurance brand Petgevity.
“There is no universally safe amount of time for leaving them home alone in the heat, as indoor temperatures can rise rapidly, and it significantly depends on the set-up of the home."
Avoid rooms with these features
When temperatures exceed the mid-to-high 20s, it's important to avoid rooms with the following features:
- Conservatories and rooms with large sun-facing windows, as the greenhouse effect can allow heat to build up inside.
- Rooms without ventilation, as this can cause heat to build up over the course of the day.
- Carpeted or rugged floors: “Dogs are unable to sweat like humans do, meaning they rely heavily on panting and lying on cool surfaces to regulate their temperature" says Dr Chadley.
Dogs should be left in the coolest, best-ventilated room of the house. Cooling mats can also help prevent overheating.
Signs to look out for
If you're worried your dog may be overheating, it's important to look out for early warning signs. These include slowing down or refusing to walk, drooling, heavy panting or an inability to settle.
Thick-coated breeds and flat-faced breeds may be more susceptible to overheating, as they can struggle to regulate their body temperature.