The GSPCA has said it is aware of concerns raised over a dog being exercised in hot weather.
A video shared on Facebook today had been viewed by more than 25,000 people within four hours.
The animal welfare charity has been notified by multiple people. Manager Steve Byrne said they’ve also been asked to intervene with dogs left in cars over the recent record breaking hot days too.
“With the warmer weather, we are seeing an increase in concerns being raised about animal welfare, including dogs being exercised during the hottest parts of the day. Even with the best intentions, activities like running alongside bikes in high temperatures can put dogs at serious risk, particularly due to heat, and hot surfaces.
“We would urge all pet owners to plan exercise carefully, avoid the heat of the day, and always consider the temperature of the ground as well as the air. We have also had reports of dogs left in cars, and while fortunately no animals have come to harm that we have found, these situations can escalate very quickly.”
The maximum temperature for today has not yet been confirmed but it was 31.5c yesterday.
Mr Byrne said the GSPCA is urging all pet owners to take extra care during the current spell of hot weather.
He reissued advice previously published following reports of a dog being exercised while attached by a lead to a bicycle in high temperatures.
The charity said there are serious risks associated with exercising dogs in hot conditions, particularly on sun-heated surfaces such as tarmac. This can include overheating, dehydration, and burned paws.
Official GSPCA advice includes walking or exercising dogs at cooler times of the day, such as early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are lower and surfaces are safer. Pet owners should also ensure their animals have constant access to fresh, clean drinking water, plenty of shade and cool resting areas, and hutches or other shelters should be shaded and well-ventilated.
Sheds, outbuildings, and greenhouses can heat up extremely quickly and reach dangerous temperatures, warned Mr Byrne, who said that any animals housed in these areas must be carefully monitored, with ventilation and cooling measures in place.
Hot, dry conditions can also impact wildlife, he added, with the GSPCA encouraging people to leave out shallow dishes of water for all animals and wet food for hedgehogs which supports hydration as well as nutrition.
Mr Byrne said the charity thanks the community for its continued support in helping to protect animals and he encouraged everyone to remain vigilant during periods of warm weather.
“If anyone has concerns about an animal, please do contact the GSPCA team on 257261 so we can offer advice or assistance if needed,” he said.
