Don't walk dogs in hot weather

Louise Walsh

A plea has been issued to dog owners not to walk their pets in the middle of the day in soaring temperatures.

Meath Co. Council's dog warden Alan Nolan is appealing to people to avoid exercising their pets on hot tarmac, describing it as 'cruel'

"It's imperative that dogs are not walked when the sun is at the strongest.  They will burn their paws on hot tarmac and ground.

"I'd also like to ask owners to ensure their dog has at least three bowls of water, if not a bucket at this time.

"Secure it to the fence or something but at least with three bowls, if they knock over one - then they won't be without water for the whole day if owners are at work.

"If the dog is on a run for the day, ensure at least half of it is in the shade so that the dog is not under the blazing sun for the whole time you are away and maybe, if it's workable put a little paddling pool out for the dog so they can keep themselves cool."

Mr Nolan said the county dog pound - between Ratoath and Skryne - is geared to keep all nine current dogs cool.

"We have fans and runs and baths and loads of water so they'll be fine, he said adding that the numbers of dogs in the pound were down by about 50 on 2017 so far this year.

"The micro-chipping is obviously working," he concluded.