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An ice-cream van serving frozen treats for dogs is touring the UK, helping the nation\u2019s pets and their owners prepare for the rumoured heatwave later this month. The van is currently rolling through 10 towns and cities across the UK \u2013 including Bristol, Great Yarmouth, and Derby \u2013 to dish out dog-friendly frozen yoghurts free of charge.<\/p>\n
Hosted by Pets at Home, the take on the traditional vehicle will have experts onboard to help owners understand the best ways to keep their beloved pups cool and relaxed when temperatures are high.<\/p>\n
It comes after research found 63 percent of dog owners worry about their four-legged friend overheating \u2013 but 41 percent don’t know how to safely help them cope in the heat.<\/p>\n
To try to keep them cool, 35 percent would let them swim in open water, and 21 percent would pour ice cold water over their head, feet, and toes \u2013 two approaches pet experts advise against.<\/p>\n
An expert from Pets at Home, which commissioned the research of 2,000 dog owners, said: \u201cWe love our pets, and want to do the right thing by them.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut it’s clear from this research that many owners aren’t sure on the best way to help keep their dogs cool during hot summer weather.<\/p>\n
\u201cDogs don\u2019t sweat like humans, and instead cool themselves down by panting \u2013 but on really hot days, they\u2019re likely to need extra help to bring their temperature down and avoid overheating.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best way to do this is to make sure they have cooling mats, shaded areas, and that they\u2019re regularly drinking cool water. It\u2019s fine to cool this using ice.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s lots of ways we can support owners in keeping their pets safe this summer, and we\u2019re excited to meet many of them while onboard our ice-cream van \u2013 not only to give them and their dogs treats, but to share invaluable advice, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The research also revealed many owners would struggle to spot if their dog was overheating, with 25 percent admitting they couldn’t identify the symptoms.<\/p>\n
Only 38 percent correctly named \u201cconfusion\u201d as a sign, with upset tummies (31 percent), and bright red or pale gums (19 percent), also highlighted as key heatstroke indicators.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, owners do understand some of the steps you can take to keep dogs cool \u2013 with 70 percent keeping them out of hot conservatories or rooms, and 60 percent give them cooling mats to lie on.<\/p>\n
During the summer months, 78 percent will only walk their four-legged friends in the early morning or evening, in order to miss the day\u2019s hottest temperatures \u2013 yet only 65 percent will take routes that avoid hot pavements, to protect their pup\u2019s paws.<\/p>\n
On average, dog owners will stop going on their usual walks when the temperature hits 24\u00b0C, according to the OnePoll.com study.<\/p>\n
When it comes to car journeys with their pooch, 56 percent will only travel at cooler times in the day, and 55 percent take extra water breaks so their pet can rehydrate.<\/p>\n
But despite the increased health dangers, 57 percent don\u2019t take their pet to the park any less than they typically would if the weather is warmer, and only 19 percent apply pet-friendly suncream.<\/p>\n
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