Five-second pavement test reveals if it's too hot to walk your dog during heatwave
Dogs can't sweat like humans do - instead, they rely on panting to cool down, which becomes especially difficult for breeds with thick fur in the heat. Experts are reminding pet parents to avoid walking their dogs during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11am and 3pm, and always carry water on outings.
Alison Thomas, Senior Vet Surgeon at the Blue Cross Hospital, said: 'While we enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, it's important to make sure our pets are kept safe. They can overheat very quickly, and this can sometimes be extremely dangerous - even fatal."
Vet urges pet owners to avoid 'dangerous' heatwave habit
She advises walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler. "If your dog needs a lot of exercise, look for other ways to keep them stimulated indoors," she added.
One key safety tip is the 'five-second test' to check if pavements are too hot for paws. "Simply take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the pavement," Alison suggested.
"If it's too hot for you to stand there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog." The Blue Cross also warns that dogs with light-coloured or sparse coats are more vulnerable to sunburn.
They recommend using a pet-safe sunblock and even dressing your dog in a lightweight T-shirt to cover sensitive areas. Signs of heatstroke in dogs can be serious. The Blue Cross advises: "Lower your dog's body temperature gradually if they're suffering from heatstroke - never use ice-cold water.
"If your dog collapses or has trouble breathing, call a vet immediately. You may need to go straight to the clinic rather than attempting treatment yourself." And when it comes to car journeys, caution is key. "Think twice before taking your dog out in the car," the charity warns.
"Plan travel for cooler parts of the day, take regular breaks, and avoid traffic. Never leave your dog in a parked vehicle - heat can build up dangerously fast. In just 20 minutes, a dog can die in a hot car, even with the windows cracked."
According to the RSPCA, the dogs most at risk from heatstroke are dogs with health conditions, flat-faced breeds like pugs or bulldogs, and dogs with thick coats like German Shepherds.
The charity urges owners to pick shady spots for their daily walk, and pack a portable water dispenser ensuring they are hydrated every 15 to 20 minutes. It's also important to avoid pavement if it's too hot, instead opting for grass.
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