When to take dogs on a walk during hot weather

Dog owners are being warned to avoid walking their pets during certain hours this week due to potentially dangerous weather conditions. The Met Office has predicted that increasingly hot weather will build throughout this week, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C.

Due to the rising temperatures, even a short walk could put dogs at risk of overheating or paw pad burns. Pet experts are urging extra caution by adjusting their routines to keep pets safe. Here’s what you need to know to protect your dog during this heatwave.

Head Vet, Sean McCormack at Tails.com shared: “While enjoying the sunshine is something both humans and dogs often love, it’s important to understand that a dog’s ability to regulate heat is very different from ours.

“This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable during hot spells.”

The expert advised that an important way to keep your dog safe is to avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day and stick to walking your dog in the early morning or evening.

At just 25°C, tarmac can reach 52°C, and with temperatures expected to hit 29°C this week, the risk is even greater. To check if the ground is too hot for your dog, use the palm test. If you can’t hold your hand on it for seven seconds, it’s too hot.

Another key tip is to avoid leaving your pooch unattended in your car. The expert said, “One of the most important things to remember during warm weather is to never leave your dog unattended in a car, especially when temperatures rise above 20°C.

“Even with the windows slightly open or if you’re stepping away for a short time, the risk is significant.” This is due to the risk of heatstroke and because cars act like “greenhouses, trapping heat and becoming much hotter inside than the outside air.”

Without essential ventilation, dogs can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes. If you’re planning to drive on a hot day, it’s usually safer to leave your dog at home in a cool, well-ventilated area.

If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, it’s important to seek veterinary attention immediately. According to Tails.com, symptoms include:

• Rapid or laboured breathing

• Excessive thirst

• Lying on their side or collapsing

• Lethargy or weakness

• Appearing unresponsive or unusually quiet

• Signs of agitation or stress

• Vomiting

• Lack of coordination or stumbling