This week’s heatwave could make it unsafe to walk our dogs for up to 12 hours a day.
New data from Pooch & Mutt has analysed Met Office forecasts and found that various cities around the UK will be experiencing temperatures above 24°C for significant periods of the day. This is the temperature level that increases the risk of heat stress and heatstroke in dogs, according to vet Dr Linda Simon. Dogs will struggle in this level of heat, particularly if they are puppies, flat-faced, overweight, senior, or have underlying health issues.
London will have a 12-hour no-walk window, from around 10am to 10pm. Cambridge and Norwich follow shortly after, with 10 to 11-hour curfews, and Birmingham and Nottingham dog owners will be unable to safely take their dogs out for around nine hours of the day.
Although dog owners are always advised to avoid walking in the midday sun, vets have emphasising the importance of extra vigilance during heatwaves. ‘During a heatwave, a normal walk can quickly become dangerous for dogs,’ says Dr Linda Simon. ‘The mistake many owners make is assuming that if the sun has gone in, it must be safe. But pavements, roads and built-up areas can hold heat for hours, meaning an evening walk can still be risky.’
She advises following the no-walk window, encouraging dog owners to provide a shaded place to rest, indoor activity, sniffing games and taking their dogs to nearby green spaces for necessary toilet breaks.
“As a rule, I would urge owners to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day altogether and to be especially careful once temperatures reach the mid-twenties. No dog will suffer from missing one walk, but heatstroke can become life-threatening very quickly.”
She advises checking the air temperature, the temperature of the pavement (touch it with your hand) and whether your dog is panting before you leave. If any of these three steps offer up a red flag, skip the walk.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
- Heavy or excessive panting
- Drooling more than usual
- Lethargy, weakness or wobbliness
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion or collapse
What to do if your dog has heatstroke
If you think your dog is overheating, move them immediately into shade or a cool room. Offer them small amounts of water, and pour cool (not ice-cold) water over their whole body, but not their head.
Contact your vet straight away, as heatstroke in dogs can be fatal; unlike humans, they can’t regulate their body temperature through sweating. Extreme heat can be seriously damaging to dogs.
Top photo: Very dry conditions in Alexandra Park, North London (Photo credit Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
