With parts of the UK expected to reach 30°C in the coming days, a leading vet has issued an urgent warning to dog owners about the dangers of excessive sun exposure. Dr Anna Foreman, in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, cautioned that prolonged sunbathing can lead to sunburn, heatstroke, and even cancerous changes in pets.
Dr Foreman advised that dogs should be allowed to sunbathe for no more than 45 minutes to an hour between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is most intense. She noted that sunburned skin is painful for animals and repeated burns can cause cancerous changes, particularly on the ear tips and noses of white animals.
Unlike humans, dogs cannot absorb UVB rays through their skin and rely on diet for vitamin D. However, sunlight helps produce melatonin and serotonin, aiding sleep and mental wellbeing. Owners must ensure dogs have access to shade and fresh water at all times, and consider cooling mats or paddling pools.
Dogs with breathing issues, such as brachycephalic breeds like pugs and French bulldogs, should not lie in the sun at all due to the strain on their airways. Exercise should be avoided in the middle of the day; walks are safer before 8am or after 8pm when temperatures are below 20°C. Even healthy dogs risk heatstroke at temperatures above 20-23°C, and extreme caution is needed above 24°C.
If a dog shows signs of overheating, such as excessive panting or lethargy, immediate cooling measures should be taken. Dr Foreman also recommended reducing food intake if exercise is cut back to prevent weight gain.
