One dog owner has issued a warning after her much-loved French Bulldog sadly died from heatstroke on a short walk in the scorching sun.
Laura Kyle, who is based in Scotland, took her rescue pup Betty on a 20-minute walk in her local area, before returning home to give her some refreshing water. While Betty appeared happy playing with other dogs, Laura soon noticed that she became limp and unresponsive.
Unsure what was wrong, Laura quickly wrapped Betty in a wet towel and rushed her to the vets. Sadly, the Bulldog was diagnosed with heatstroke and severe brain damage, resulting in her being put down by the vets.
"I've heard of people leaving their dogs in the car and maybe that happened but never going for a walk," Laura told The Metro. "I was a bit gutted, I thought they were saving her life and that she was coming home. "I'm totally devastated."
French Bulldogs can sometimes suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) and find it harder to cool down compared to long-snouted dogs. According to The French Bulldog Rescue Network, the breed should be walked out of direct sunlight and only travel in cars which have air conditioning.
While it's important dogs stretch their legs, the hot weather can make it unsafe for our pups to head out. Some of the heatstroke signs to look out for include heavy panting, excessive drooling, drowsy behaviour or vomiting.
Some of the ways you can keep your pup cool this summer include:
- Letting them cool down in a lake
- Add ice cubes to their water bowl (and always take water on a walk in summer)
- Place a wet cloth on their neck, armpits, and between the hind legs
- Get your hands on a cooling mat
- Letting them play in a pet-friendly paddling pool
- Head to the vet if you are worried about their heat levels
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10 must-have products to keep your dog cool during a heatwave
The layered construction of this vest is designed to keep your dog cool when the temperature rises. The outer layer reflects heat and facilitates evaporation while the middle layer absorbs and stores water for evaporation.
Crufts Crufts Medium Pet Paddling Pool
Coming in at 120cm x 30cm, dogs big or small can cool off in this durable and versatile pet paddling pool. Simply fill with water and allow your dog to come and go as they please.
Emwel Emwel Dog Water Bottle - 550ml Water Feeder Leak Proof Portable Puppy Water Dispenser with Drinking Feeder for Pets Outdoor Walking, Hiking, Travel, Food Grade Plastic For Pets
When walking your dog in hot weather, ensure they stay hydrated with this portable water bottle – complete with a built-in dispenser and mini bowl for your pet to drink from on-the-go.
Whether you're heading to the beach for the day or simply excited to enjoy a leisurely hot day in the garden, this pop-up tent offers a cosy space to keep dogs cool.
Currys PETLIBRO Capsule Water Fountain
This fountain contains a filter to keep water as pure as possible. It's a great way to encourage your pet to stay hydrated.
A must-have for warm summer days, this cooling dog mat doesn't need to be chilled or filled with water. The gel interior keeps pups cool and is best placed in a shaded space for them to feel the full benefits.
Filled with a non-toxic gel, the inner self-cooling mat in this dog bed will maintain its cooling properties for approximately 1 hour. During this time, the mat is typically 5-10 degrees cooler than room temperature.
The next best thing to an ice lolly, this chew toy can be filled with water and frozen to create a refreshing activity for your pup to enjoy.
High-quality waterproof PVC material provides a safe environment for your pets to cool down. You do not need to soak, freeze or refrigerate this pad for it to work.
Chill both your dog's water and food during a hot day with this bowl that can be kept in the freezer to give your pup a refreshing drink or meal.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
