A PROFESSIONAL dog walking company from Wrexham is urging people to be vigilant for signs of heat stroke in their canines.

Quick Paws, based in Gresford, issued the warning about the dangers of the  "serious and often fatal condition" on its Facebook page amid sweltering temperatures. 

19 degrees is the evidence based threshold at which it becomes a risk to walk your dog. Dogs of all ages, breeds and health status have died from being walked at these temperatures.

Quick Paws said: "Do not feel guilty about leaving your dogs at home in the coolness of your home or their kennel (if well ventilated with fans and water).

"Don’t leave your or someone else’s dogs in cars, for any amount of time. There are categorically no exceptions to this - ‘not long is too long’.

"Avoid walking your dogs during the hottest times of the day, very early morning and very late evenings and even then don’t over exert them. We know this may be a challenge for certain breeds and dogs with boisterous personalities, but it is absolutely not worth the risk.

"Be aware that the pavements or tarmac you walk your dog on can retain a lot of heat and can even cause first degree burns in some cases."

Quick Paws says that Brachycephalic -‘short nosed’ breeds (bulldogs, pugs, frenchies, Persian cats) are extremely sensitive to the effects of heat exposure and ideally should be kept inside where it’s cool.

The company said: "If you have a paddling pool, be aware that dogs can often easily jump in but may struggle to get out. If it’s deep enough that they need to swim, they can exhaust quickly. Mainly seeing heat stroke in this weather but also pets drowning in pools happens too, so supervise them very carefully.

"Cats that go outdoors are usually a bit more sensible in this weather but there are always exceptions to a rule so ensure they have access to your home or to another source of shelter with a plentiful supply of water.

"Guinea pigs or bunnies or other small furries who live outside, consider either bringing them indoors or ensuring that their hutch runs are shaded and have a constant supply of fresh water.

"There is an abundance of misinformation about how to manage an animal suffering from overheating so please remember if you have any concerns about any of your pets due to the effects of heat (or anything else), please call your vets immediately any time day or night."

The following are signs of your pet overheating:

Excessive panting

Abnormal/distressed demeanour

Vomiting

Uncoordinated ‘drunken’ movements

Seizures