With temperatures set to reach 40°C in the UK this week, experts are warning dog owners not to walk their pets at all over the next few days. The heat poses a serious risk to the UK's 15 million pet dogs, as they cannot regulate body temperature as effectively as humans.
Why Walking in High Heat Is Dangerous
Dog trainer Jane Robinson explains that panting is far less efficient than sweating, especially when humidity is high. When temperatures hit 30°C or higher, walking increases the risk of heatstroke. The RSPCA states dogs are 10 times more likely to develop heat-related illness from hot walks than from being left in a car.
Walking in temperatures exceeding 30°C is particularly dangerous for: puppies, older dogs, dogs with thick fur, those with cardiac or respiratory issues, anxious dogs, horny dogs (arousal uses more energy), brachycephalic dogs (flat noses), and overweight or larger dogs.
Pavement Heat Test and Timing Advice
Robinson adds that pavement temperatures can exceed 50 to 60°C even when air temperature is in the 20°C range. She recommends the five to seven second hand test: 'If you can’t comfortably hold the back of your hand on the ground, it’s too hot for paws.'
Vet Dr Charlotte Inness suggests the 8am to 8pm rule: 'Stick to early mornings before 8am or late evenings after 8pm when the air and ground are cooler. Choose shaded grass parks over hot pavements, and keep walks short.'
Breeds at Risk: Labradors and Border Collies
Some breeds, such as Labradors and Border Collies, will keep going long after it’s safe, driven by their desire to please their owners. Owners may not realise their dog is in distress until it's too late.
Alternatives to Walking
During a heatwave, swap physical exercise for: paddling pools (if the dog enjoys water), scentwork and scatter feeding, frozen enrichment (e.g., ice cubes), lick mats and snuffle boxes, and decompression in shaded gardens.
Other Safety Tips
Frozen treats, doggy ice cream or ice cubes are great for pooches, as drinking water too quickly can cause them to swallow excess air, resulting in gastric discomfort or bloating. If travelling with your dog, take regular breaks and never leave them in the car unattended. Fatalities can occur within 15 minutes, and it only takes a 2°C increase for a dog to get heatstroke.
Research by the Royal Veterinary College reveals that one in four dogs treated for a heat-related illness in the UK dies.
Signs of Heatstroke
Symptoms to look out for include: excessive panting with drooling, lethargy or reluctance to move, vomiting or diarrhoea, loss of coordination, bright red or pale gums, and collapse.
