As the UK braces for temperatures of up to 40°C this week, dog owners are being urged to keep their pets indoors and avoid walks entirely. With 15 million pet dogs in the UK, the extreme heat poses a serious health risk to canines, who cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans.
Why dogs struggle in high heat
Dog trainer Jane Robinson explains that panting is far less efficient than sweating, especially when humidity is high. 'When it hits 30°C or higher, you shouldn't walk your dog at all,' she says, as it increases the risk of heatstroke. The RSPCA warns that dogs are 10 times more likely to develop heat-related illness from hot walks than from being left in a car.
Dogs most at risk
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 (flat-nosed) breeds, and overweight or larger dogs. Robinson adds that 'pavement temperatures can exceed 50 to 60°C, even when air temperature is in the 20°C range.'
Some breeds, such as Labradors and Border Collies, will keep going long after it's safe due to their desire to please owners, making it hard to spot distress.
When to walk: the hand test and 8am-8pm rule
Robinson 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 sticking to early mornings before 8am or late evenings after 8pm, choosing shaded grass parks over hot pavements, and keeping walks short.
Alternatives to walking
Instead of physical exercise, Robinson recommends paddling pools (if the dog enjoys water), scentwork and scatter feeding, frozen enrichment like ice cubes, lick mats and snuffle boxes, and decompression in shaded gardens.
Keeping dogs safe in the heat
Frozen treats, doggy ice cream, or ice cubes are great, as drinking water too quickly can cause gastric discomfort. If travelling with your dog, take regular breaks and never leave them in the car unattended. Fatalities can occur within 15 minutes, and a mere 2°C increase can trigger heatstroke. Research by the Royal Veterinary College reveals that one in four dogs treated for heat-related illness in the UK dies.
Signs of heatstroke
Key symptoms include excessive panting with drooling, lethargy or reluctance to move, vomiting or diarrhoea, loss of coordination, bright red or pale gums, and collapse. Recognising these early signs can help ensure your dog stays safe during the heatwave.
