THE Forest of Dean District Council reminded dog owners to be vigilant as we begin to experience warmer weather.

Recently, the Forest has seen much improved weather. As such, general advice has been issued from organisations, such as water safety warnings from Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

The council took the opportunity via social media to provide safety information to residents who have dogs.

A Forest of Dean District Council spokesperson said: “On warmer days, be sure to help your dog beat the heat. Remember, never leave dogs in cars or other vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings in warm weather, even if only for a short while. When it's 20°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to over 40°C in these environments, which can be fatal.

“Know the signs of heatstroke and contact a vet immediately if you spot them. Look for heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, collapsing and vomiting.

“Brachycephalic (flat-faced, or ‘brachy’) animals are at a greater risk of health problems in hot weather, including being very vulnerable to heatstroke'. If you have a flat-faced dog such as a pug, French bulldog, shih tzu or boxer, take extra care to keep them cool.”

Similarly last summer, road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist, told The Forester that a car’s interior can become hotter than the outside temperature - and reminded residents of the dangers.

James Luckhurst, Head of Road Safety for GEM said: “Leaving a dog in a car with no ventilation is dangerous - even if just for a few minutes - because the temperature inside a parked vehicle rises quickly.

“Dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature in the way that humans do; their usual method of panting doesn’t work when the temperature is too hot.”

You can find more safety advice for dogs in warmer weather online.