The top nine dog breeds most at risk of heatstroke have been revealed as experts warn to keep pets safe in hot weather as temperatures soar.
Scotland has been enjoying a heatwave during the month of July, with the mercury reaching almost 30C.
The SSPCA and vets have both issued warnings to owners urging them not to walk dogs in hot weather after pets have sadly died from overheating in Scotland in recent days.
One owner was left devastated after her French Bulldog died from heatstroke and brain damage after a short walk in a field near Livingston last week.
Laura Kyle, 32, found three-year-old Betty limp and unresponsive shortly after her walk and rushed her to the vet, where she was found to have overheated.
The pooch was put to sleep later that day – and her owner wants her sudden death to serve as a warning to others about walking their dog in hot weather.
Dogs can find it tough in the hot weather, with a greater risk of heart failure, and serious injury, or even death.
Purebred dogs have twice the risk of crossbreeds and the nine dog breeds most at risk are varied.
Full list of dog breeds most at risk of overheating
- Chow chow
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Bulldog
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French bulldog
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French mastiff
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Greyhounds
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King Charles spaniel
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Pug
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English springer spaniel
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Golden retriever
It comes as Scotland’s animal rescuers have warned people not to leave dogs shut inside cars in the heat.
Temperatures within vehicles can be double that of the air outside – meaning this week’s 27C equates to a deadly 54C.
Emergency animal care provider Vets Now also warned rising temperatures could increase the risk of heat stroke in dogs.
(Image: Getty Images)
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The vet service sees a spike in callouts as the weather warms up and has warned that temperatures above 20C put dogs at risk, and that survival rates for dogs with heat stroke is just 50%.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said it can take only a few minutes for a dog to overheat in a hot vehicle and leaving a window open or a bowl of water simply is not good enough.
He said: “Our message is simple – don’t risk it. 22 degrees outside can mean 44 degrees inside the car.
“If there is a possibility you might be leaving the dog in the car, even on a warm, cloudy day, just leave your pet at home with plenty of water and adequate ventilation.
“If your pet is outdoors, make sure there is an adequate space with shelter where they can get out of the sun.
“A dog in a hot car is in serious and immediate danger and a member of our team will attend any reports of these as quickly as possible.
(Image: Getty Images)
“If someone witnesses a dog inside a car on a hot day, contact 999 immediately.
“If a dog is in a critical situation in a car and the police are not in attendance, instinct can be to smash a car window to break the dog out.
“This could be classed as criminal damage without proper justification and anyone who does so may have to defend themselves in court.
“The law states that someone has a lawful excuse to commit damage if they believe the owner of the property they would damage would consent if they knew the circumstances.
“We would advise anyone who is going to break a dog from a hot car to inform the Scottish SPCA and Police Scotland first and this should always be a last resort.
“We would also advise taking the names and numbers of any witnesses and to take photos and videos of the dog.”
