Dog experts have released a temperature chart to guide owners during the current heatwave, as Liverpool is set to reach 38°C. The Met Office has issued warnings, with temperatures hitting 32°C on June 23 and peaking at 38°C on June 25. The red warning joins existing amber extreme heat warnings covering much of southern and central England and Wales.
When to Walk Your Dog
Pooch and Mutt advise planning walks for early morning before work and late evening before bedtime. The chart indicates that walks should be avoided when temperatures exceed 30°C. Even at 21-23°C, caution is needed, especially for small or vulnerable dogs. Owners are urged to walk before 8am and after 8pm when it is cooler and shade is more available.
High-Risk Dogs
Senior dogs, overweight dogs, and brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers are at risk when temperatures reach 23-27°C. At 28°C and above, it becomes life-threatening, and walks should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, as many dogs risk heatstroke, especially above 32°C. The RSPCA warns: "Dogs with brachycephaly are less able to regulate their temperature, so they’re up to 16 times more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses." Brachycephalic breeds include Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bullmastiff, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Mastiffs, and Pekingese.
Keeping Your Dog Cool and Safe
The RSPCA recommends: walking early or late; avoiding running or cycling with dogs in heat; checking if dogs are allowed at destinations; and testing pavement heat with your hand for five seconds—if too hot, it's too hot for paws. Signs of burned paws include limping, licking or chewing feet, darker pads, missing parts, blisters, or redness. Provide plenty of water, food, and shade. Use pet-safe sunscreen on exposed skin, especially for light-colored dogs. Groom regularly to remove dead hair. Add ice cubes to water, freeze treats in a Kong toy, provide damp towels or ice packs (but never place a damp towel over the dog, as it traps heat). Use frozen toys, paddling pools, or sprinklers. If worried, contact a vet immediately.
