Warning for Britain’s Basking Barkers
While the UK finally has the chance to catch a few rays, Dogs Trust warns of the dangers of allowing your dog to bask in the sunshine with you.
We know we should slap on the sun cream, cover up in the sun and keep rehydrated when the temperature rises – and the same applies to dogs.
Chris Laurence, the Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, explains:
“Dogs can suffer from sunburn just like us.
Facing a higher risk are dogs with white or light coloured hair, those with very short or no hair at all and dogs that have lost hair through allergies or medical treatment.”
The charity also warns against leaving dogs in hot cars this summer. Just twenty minutes waiting in a hot car can prove fatal to dogs.
To keep your dog healthy this summer you should:
• Make sure your dog is in the shade during the hottest part of the day – preferably in the cool indoors.
• NEVER leave your dog in the car in warm weather.
• Try to avoid taking your dog on long car journeys in hot weather.
• Apply pet sun cream to areas most likely to burn: nose, ears, eyelids and belly. Human sun cream can be toxic to dogs so make sure you buy one specifically made for them, available from your local pet shop.
Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for 16,000 dogs a year through its network of 17 rehoming centres.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Journalists and photographers are welcome to visit any of the 17 rehoming centres across the country. To find your nearest please see http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our_centres
For more information please call:
Krystyna McGrath  Press Officer
0207 833 7616  krystyna.mcgrath@dogstrust.org.uk

Dogs Trust is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction.