With temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees in parts of the UK this week, a vet has issued an urgent warning to dog owners about the dangers of walking pets during hot weather. Dogs struggle to regulate body temperature and are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Vet's Warning on Social Media
Ben Simpson-Vernon, known as Ben the Vet on TikTok with over 220,000 followers, shared a video advising against walking dogs during the hottest part of a heatwave. He specifically cautioned owners of flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs. "Your dog is not a small human," he said. "Just because you might be able to cope with the heat, it doesn't mean your dog, who is a different species, is able to."
Simpson-Vernon explained that dogs cannot sweat like humans; they primarily cool down by panting, which is less effective than sweating. Flat-faced breeds have even less surface area for heat exchange, making them particularly at risk. "Pugs and French bulldogs have very little nose and throat, it's basically like they're operating a broken aircon unit," he added. He also reminded owners that dogs cannot remove their fur coats.
When Is It Too Hot to Walk a Dog?
The Royal Kennel Club advises that most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees, but this depends on age, breed, size, coat length, health, and fitness. They recommend limiting walks to early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and avoiding hot pavements. Owners should always carry water for their dogs.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, breathing problems, tiredness, stiffness, drooling, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, unsteady walking, and collapse. "A dog never died from missing a walk," Simpson-Vernon stressed. "If in doubt, especially if your dog is elderly, overweight, has health problems, or a flattened face, just don't go out."
Impact of the Heatwave
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with 50 areas of the UK expected to see temperatures reach 40 degrees. Dog owners are urged to take precautions to prevent heatstroke, which can be fatal. Simpson-Vernon concluded: "I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets upset seeing a pug panting away on a walk in 30-degree heat. Remember, heatstroke can be fatal – and simply thinking your dog can cope with the same level of heat you can is where I think it often goes wrong."
