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VIDEO: Former boxing champion David Haye presents a weather forecast for dogs

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FORMER boxing world heavyweight champion David Haye has struck out on a new venture – weather for dogs.

The Chihuahua-owning heavy-hitter packed some punch as he fronted the first weather paw-cast launched by insurance firm More Th>n.

The scheme aims to help dog-owners understand the effects that hot and stormy weather can have on their furry friends.

In the video, David uses a risk scale developed by a veterinary expert to pinpoint the areas of the UK where hotter temperatures and higher humidity levels could put some of the nation's nine million dogs at risk of dehydration and heat stroke, as well as the areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, potentially causing undue stress in canines.

David 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 weather affects their pets especially given the current temperatures"

Dog temperature risk scale developed by vet Robert White-Adams:

The "Medium Risk" range (approximately 16-19°C outside air temperature) for dogs over-heating is based on the equivalent environmental temperature range at which we start to see humans shedding their layers of clothing);

• The "High Risk" range (approximately 20-23°C outside air temperature) for dogs over-heating represents temperatures where humans also start to employ additional heat reduction mechanisms such as reducing their activity and seeking shade, breeze or air conditioning;and

• The "Very High Risk" (over 23°C outside air temperature) represents those temperatures at which humans struggle to stay "cool", and therefore dogs with their much more limited capacity to lose heat are going to be highly susceptible to developing hyperthermia and heat stroke.

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.

VIDEO: Former boxing champion David Haye presents a weather forecast for dogs


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