The peak daytime temperatures forecast this weekend will bring a much greater risk of working dogs suffering from heat stress or heat exhaustion, if worked in unsuitable conditions.

This is a very serious condition which can cause severe damage to a dog’s health and one that vets report, unfortunately, frequently leads to the death of dogs.

Dogs do not sweat through their skin with heat regulated via panting and sweat loss through their nose and foot pads. Dehydration can quickly occur when dogs are worked in excessive temperatures and it also limits a dog’s ability to keep cool.

It is therefore important to ensure that dogs are not worked during the peak daytime temperatures forecast on Saturday and Sunday.

Where sheep have to be flocked, focus on working early in the morning or late in the evening.

Access to water

Ensure dogs have frequent access to water to prevent dehydration and help body temperature regulation.

Regular rest is important - another aspect to take into account is the terrain on which dogs are working.

Surfaces can become very hot and pose a risk of a dog’s foot pads burning while moving animals on tar roads where tar is melting.

Lastly, be mindful of not leaving animals inside vehicles.