Vet shares three things you must not do if dog has heatstroke including 'ridiculous myth'

As the UK braces for scorching temperatures nearing 40 degrees this weekend, dog owners may be fretting over the safety of their pets. It's common knowledge that walking your pooch in heat above 25 degrees is risky, and if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it may be advisable to skip your dog's walk and find different ways to keep them entertained.

But even lounging in the garden can spell danger for dogs, with heatstroke posing a serious risk. Cat the Vet took to TikTok to share some advice about treating heatstroke in dogs, blasting one piece of advice as a "ridiculous myth".

1. Do not squirt lemon juice in their mouths

Cat was adamant that dog owners should "not squirt lemon juice into their [pet's] mouth." This misguided practice has gained traction online, but Cat said it is simply a "ridiculous myth" and doesn't know where it comes from.

She said it is particularly prevalent among owners of flat-faced breeds, who are most at risk of heatstroke and least likely to be helped by lemon juice when they're already struggling to breathe.

Cat emphasised that "lemon juice does absolutely nothing" and urged people to "completely ignore that myth."

She shared how a colleague lost a patient after the owner followed the lemon juice advice and failed to reach the vet in time.

2. Don't be afraid to drench them

Cat insists there's no need to shy away from getting your dog wet if they have heatstroke, advising owners to get their dogs "soaked to the skin with water that can be as cold as you like."

She said getting your dog wet in cold water can increase their chances of survival.

3. Resist the urge to cut walks short

Cat added: "If you are worried that your dog is starting to pant excessively when you're out on a walk, do not turn around and go straight for home, which I think is an instinct a lot of us would have.

"Wait. Get them in the shade, get them cool, let them cool down a bit first.

"If they're little, maybe carry them back to the car, and when you get to the car, open the doors and the windows, get the aircon on, and cool down that car before you get in it to drive home".

She emphasises the danger particularly if your dog is in the boot "under glass" where temperatures soar.

With a hot weekend on the horizon, Cat urges owners to "stay safe" with their furry friends.

Avoid walking your dog entirely if the mercury hits above 27 degrees.

If you suspect heatstroke, consult a vet as soon as possible.