When you have been champion of the world like Keston’s David Haye, what’s next? Presenting the world’s first weather forecast for dogs, of course.
Chihuahua owner David, who beat the giant Nickolay Valuev to win WBA World Heavyweight championship in 2009, has joined forces with More Th>n Pet Insurance for the witty Weather Pawcast.
The video raises awareness of the dangers of hot, humid and thundery summery weather to dogs’ wellbeing.
The Keston-based fighter said: "I’ve been a two weight world champion and fought in front of millions but being a weatherman for dogs is definitely a first.
“However, as a dog lover and owner I know too well the hazards our four legged friends face on a hot day. I hope that by presenting a weather pawcast I can help raise awareness of the issues that More Th>n is highlighting and encourage all dog lovers to be more mindful of how the warm rather affects their pets especially given the current temperatures.”
Vet Robert White-Adams’ 10 Tips for Hot Weather:
1. Get your dog’s coat stripped, or even better, clipped short.
2. Change walkies time to early morning or late at night when the temperature is cooler. Take it easy and let your dog take things slow. It’s too hot for running, fetch and ball games.
3. If your dog is panting then stop and slow down and if possible find some shade.
4. Take water with you at all times and on walks gently spray your dog with a mist of water. Repeat often as the water evaporates and cools them down. However, do not douse or drench your dog with cold water. Sudden cold shock can divert blood flow away from the skin and can actually make your dog hotter.
5. Make sure plenty of fresh drinking water in a clean bowl is available at all times (not too hot; not too cold). Check and refill throughout the day.
6. If you’re inside, open windows but keep the curtains drawn to keep the temperature down and make sure your dog has lots of space to move around.
7. Dehydration happens much quicker in warmer weather so if your dog is vomiting, has diarrhoea or stops drinking then seek help from your vet immediately.
8. Create somewhere cool for your dog to rest, such as placing a wet towel in a shady spot outside.
9. Place a fan near your dog and try putting an ice pack in front of the fan to cool the air it’s blowing.
10. Check up on your dog more often. A lot can happen in just a few hours so change your routine to keep an eye on your dog.
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