WITH street parties, fireworks and more planned, North Wales residents are being encouraged to plan ahead for the Jubilee Bank Holiday to keep dogs comfortable.

Towns and villages up and down the country are gearing up for the four-day Bank Holiday celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee between Thursday, June 2 and Sunday, June 5.

Pet owners are encouraged to plan ahead if they are attending events such as parties, picnics and fetes, as well as prepare for the possibility of fireworks, loud music and crowds. 

Animal welfare groups are advising pet owners to make plans and arrangements in advance to keep their pets happy and healthy.

Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare specialist, said: “The upcoming Bank Holiday long weekend is something many of us are looking forward to.

"However, it might be that people haven’t given much thought yet to managing their pets over the duration, and others may have assumed they will take their pets along to whatever they have planned which might not be the best thing for them. 

"So, we’ve come up with tips to help them plan ahead and consider things that they may have overlooked that might put pets at risk.”

North Wales Pioneer:

PIC: Here are some top tips to help your dog comfortable over Jubilee Bank Holiday.

Here is what the RSPCA are advising residents to do:

  • Never leave your dog in the car during warm weather. Even if it doesn't feel very warm outside, dogs can quickly suffer if shut inside a car.
  • If you are visiting family, friends or attending an event, consider leaving your dog at home or with a trusted person to look after them while you are out. 
  • It’s tempting to take dogs to town and villages fetes and picnics, but consider if it’s the best environment for them to be in. Busy, loud environments can be very distressing for dogs.
  • Avoid walking your dog in hot weather - or taking them for a day out to places with little or no shade such as beaches. 
  • Avoid over-exercising dogs in warm weather - instead, you could stay at home and fill a paddling pool or spray a hose for your dog to play in, but always supervise them around water. 
  • If necessary, use a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin
  • Provide constant access to fresh, clean water and cool, shady resting spots.
  • Be aware at family picnics or barbecues of other people feeding your dog - some foods are poisonous to dogs.
  • Check for local events that may cause your pet stress such as live music, bands and orchestras and fireworks and make arrangements for your pets accordingly to help them cope. 

Pet owners are also being urged to learn the early warning signs of heat-related illness so they can avoid putting their dog at risk, and also know what action to take in an emergency.

What are the signs of heat-related illness in dogs?

  • Excessive panting that doesn’t stop when the dog rests.
  • Difficulty breathing, especially if there is unusual noise or any blue/grey tinge to gums or tongue.
  • Unusual tiredness - becoming tired sooner than normal.
  • Changes in behaviour - lying down more frequently and stumbling.
  • Less keen to play.