Norfolk trainer urges owners of short-nosed dogs to keep them inside during heatwave
The advice comes with high-temperatures set to stay throughout the weekend
A dog trainer from Norfolk is urging owners of short-nosed dogs - like boxers and pugs - to keep them inside during hot weather.
The advice comes with high-temperatures expected to stay in and around the mid 20s until the start of Tuesday - with things getting hottest over the weekend.
"We tend to find there's a certain cluster of dogs that are affected the most"
Damion Vincent is from Fetch Dog Walking & Training:
"We tend to find there's a certain cluster of dogs that are affected the most. For example, I have a boxer that absolutely loves going outside but I'm just not going to let him - as he overheats so quickly and his breed's airways are so restricted.
He told us about when to walk our furry friends during a heatwave:
"Early in the morning or later in the evening is best. But sometimes even in the evenings at the moment, it's pushing 28 degrees at 7pm. I'd also advise owners to buy things like cooling coats for dogs."
"The dog should instinctively go to seek a cooler place"
He also gave us some other tips for caring for furry friends in the heat: "It's a good idea to put ice-cubes in water bowls to cool it down. Also putting down damp towels, if you've got tiled floors, is good as it's a colder place for the dog to lay on.
"Beyond that it's just important to restrict the time in which the dogs are out in this ferocious heat.
"I tend to say to dog owners, let your dogs sleep where they want to in the house, as the dog should instinctively seek a cooler place. It's just making sure you have fans and air-con on, as well as keeping blinds and curtains closed.
"The first sign of heat-stroke is that the dog will become lethargic, it may go off its food and become a bit irritable. You tend to find that a dog will just go away to a cool place by itself."