As a rare red heat warning is issued in parts of the country this week with rising temperatures across the UK, Dogs Trust Cardiff is urging owners to think carefully about when to walk their dogs, warning that hot pavements and warm conditions can quickly put dogs at risk.
While many owners look forward to dog walks on sunny days, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is reminding people that pavements and parks can become dangerously hot, and exercise increases the risk of heat-related illness such as heat stroke.
Unlike humans, dogs can’t regulate their body temperature by sweating and rely mainly on panting to cool themselves down. This means that walking, playing or spending time in hot areas can quickly become uncomfortable and dangerous.
Pavements and roads absorb heat throughout the day and can become hot enough to burn a dog’s paw pads. Dogs Trust is encouraging owners to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day and instead choose cooler periods, such as early morning or late evening. On particularly hot days, it is safer to skip walks altogether and provide alternative forms of enrichment at home.
Emily Mills, Veterinary Projects Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “Many owners enjoy getting outside with their dogs when the sun comes out, but warm weather can pose serious risks. Dogs are much more vulnerable to heat than people, and can quickly become uncomfortable or develop heat-related illness, especially if they’re exercised during the hottest parts of the day.
“Hot pavements can also cause painful burns to dogs’ paw pads. If the ground feels too hot for the back of your hand after holding it there for several seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
“The safest option during hot weather is to walk dogs during the coolest times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. On exceptionally hot days, it may be best to avoid walks altogether and instead focus on enrichment activities and keeping your dog cool and comfortable at home.”
Dogs Trust Cardiff is advising owners to take the following precautions during periods of hot weather:
- Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. On very hot days, consider skipping walks entirely.
- Before heading out, check pavements and roads with the back of your hand for five seconds. If they feel too hot for you, they are too hot for your dog’s paws.
- Stick to grassy, shaded areas wherever possible, and minimise time on tarmac or concrete.
- Always carry fresh water when out with your dog and ensure they have access to cool drinking water at home.
- Keep exercise to a minimum and avoid games or activities that may cause dogs to overheat.
- Never leave your dog alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes or with the windows open.
- Provide cool resting places, such as shaded areas, cooling mats or frozen treats made from pet-friendly ingredients.
- Watch for signs of heat-related illness, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea or collapse, and contact a vet immediately if you are concerned.
Dogs Trust also reminds owners to “cool first, transport second” if they suspect their dog is suffering from heatstroke.
Owners should:
- Stop any exercise or activity immediately.
- Move the dog to a cool, shaded area.
- Offer drinking water.
- Begin cooling the dog with water that is cooler than their body temperature. Young, healthy dogs can be immersed in cold water if possible, while older dogs or those with health conditions should be sprayed with cold water and cooled with air movement.
- Avoid placing wet towels over the dog, as these can trap heat.
- Contact a vet immediately and continue cooling during transport.
Heatstroke can affect any type of dog, but certain breeds and types of dogs are at increased risk, including brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs and French Bulldogs, as well as older dogs, overweight dogs and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
With temperatures set to remain high, Dogs Trust Cardiff is urging owners to remember that dogs do not need a daily walk if conditions are unsafe, and that missing a walk is far preferable to risking painful paw burns or heat-related illness.
