Enjoy sunshine, but be aware of dog dangers

CHARITY WARNS THAT EVEN MILD TEMPERATURES CAN LEAD TO ISSUES FOR PETS

- By STAFF REPORTER

AN ANIMAL charity has urged dog owners to be aware of the dangers of walking their pets as the sun beats down on the county.

As spring sunshine continues, Dogs Trust Loughborough is warning owners that even mild temperatures can pose serious health risks to dogs.

Dogs can overheat at any temperature and at any time of year, and in some cases, heatstroke can be fatal, a spokesman for the charity said.

Around 75 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are linked to exercise, they added, and around two-thirds of reported heatstroke cases occur following a simple, everyday walk.

Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, which can sometimes look like smiling, and changes in a dog's breathing pattern, such as using their tummy to breathe.