- Dr Samantha Webster has warned owners against leaving their pets outside in hot weather.
Pet owners are often warned of the dangers the summer heat can pose to their beloved dogs and cats, and veterinarians have now issued a new warning, specifically for households with artificial grass gardens.
While the UK summer has been a disappointment for many in terms of sunshine and heat, hot weather could be on the way in September, with forecasters predicting the next month will be warmer than average.
But even temperatures well below those seen on the mainland this month can prove dangerous, a vet has warned, with any temperature above 24C meaning “sunstroke becomes a strong possibility”.
Dr. Samantha Webster, a veterinarian at Joii Pet Care, has previously warned owners against walking their dogs in the midday sun, with tarmac and other surfaces that could burn pets’ paws.
She has now informed dog owners who have artificial grass gardens that letting their pets out in their gardens can be just as dangerous as walking them outside.
A veterinarian has informed dog owners with artificial grass gardens that letting their pets out in their gardens can be just as dangerous as walking them outside.
Joii Pet Care veterinarian Dr. Samantha Webster gave new advice to pet owners this summer
Dr. Webster said The mirror that it is important for people to check the temperature of outdoor surfaces before allowing their cats and dogs to play outside.
“In the summer, hot surfaces are a very common hazard for cats and dogs, which can quickly lead to sore and burning paws,” she said.
“To test the temperature of the surface they are 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 hands. four-legged companions.”
“Even though it’s not as hot as tarmac or paving slabs, artificial turf can also pose a risk to your pet’s paws in the summer.
“It is very important to note that if you have artificial turf in your garden, it will heat up very quickly if exposed to direct sunlight and should therefore be treated with the same caution as pavement.”
As owners increasingly opt for low-maintenance artificial lawns, Dr Webster said they are likely to pose a danger to more animals than ever this summer.
Natural grass stays much cooler, she said, but for those who don’t have it, she suggested other methods to keep surfaces cooler.
She advised creating shaded areas in gardens or laying down cool, damp towels for animals to rest on.
Dr Webster with his cat. She warned pet owners not to leave pets outside when surfaces are hot
The vet also said owners should avoid leaving their pets unattended outside in hot weather.
“When the heat of the day has passed and the temperatures drop significantly, you can safely let them roam freely outside – but again, do a seven-second temperature check if in doubt,” he said. she declared.
Sunstroke is another thing pet owners should watch out for, with vet bills to treat it topped £400 last year, according to Animal Friends Pet Insurance.
Extreme caution should be taken when temperatures are 24C or higher, Dr Webster said, particularly if dogs are large, very young or flat-faced breeds.
At 28C, the heat becomes dangerous for all dogs, she said, and even life-threatening for these types of dogs.
“You should never walk a dog or allow it to sit in the sun once it is 32°C or higher, because at this temperature sunstroke is a major risk for all dogs, regardless of their condition. , size or race.”
