Many dog owners are unaware of how dangerous it can be to walk their pets in the heat, with surfaces like pavements and roads becoming scorching hot and leading to serious risks to dogs' health
As the temperatures continue to soar in the summer heatwave, experts have offered an easy seven-second “rule” to determine whether it's safe to take your dog out for a walk. Summer brings many benefits such as longer, lighter days, fewer rainy days, thriving flora and fauna, and much more.
However, it also has its drawbacks. The blistering heat can be challenging and unpleasant for many people, especially in a country where air conditioning isn't widespread. This can also cause worry for pet owners.
All dogs require regular exercise and, for many owners, this comes in the form of daily walks. However, in the heat, there's a significant risk of your dog suffering from heatstroke.
According to one expert, even 22°C can be dangerous for dogs – they can suffer from heatstroke “even on days that feel comfortable to us” – it can prove to be fatal.
Emergency care data published in Veterinary Record reveals that over a quarter of dogs treated for heatstroke in 2022 died.
The study found many dogs died outside of official heatwaves, collapsing during a routine walk.
Simon Crawshaw, grain-free dog food specialist at Hilltop Pet Food, warned: “Even at 22 or 23 degrees, if the sun's been beating down all day, pavements can reach temperatures that will burn your dog's paws in seconds.
“Dogs won't tell you when they're struggling; they'll just keep walking, because that's what you're asking them to do. But once they overheat, things can go downhill very quickly.”
Many dog owners, unfortunately, fail to recognise the signs until it's too late. The expert encourages the use of the “seven second rule” to stay on the safe side.
What is the seven second rule?
Simply press the back of your hand against the pavement for seven seconds and “if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them.”
It's also wise to keep monitoring temperatures and not just the weather forecast as ground surfaces can become “dangerously hot” by mid-afternoon. Anything above 24 degrees should be avoided, and it's safest to walk your dog in the early morning or after sunset. Avoid walking your dog between 11am and 4pm.
Many turn to social media for tips and advice, with TikTok videos suggesting adding ice to dogs' water bowls while limiting their time outdoors.
Those with gardens also face additional risks in hot weather, especially if your dog enjoys chasing toys or running around in the sunshine.
Simon continued: “Dogs can collapse from heat exhaustion in their own gardens. People believe they're being responsible by skipping the walk, but then throw a ball for 20 minutes on a hot lawn.
“It's a recipe for disaster. Dogs won't stop playing until they physically can't carry on.”
The expert recommends “offering shade, paddling pools, or frozen enrichment toys stuffed with your dog's usual food to keep them stimulated without raising their core temperature”.
He added: “You don't need anything fancy. Just use part of their normal meal, ideally a grain-free food with high meat content inside a Kong or slow-feeder, or if using raw or wet food, freeze it, and let them lick it gradually. “.
For a slow-feeder, or if using raw or wet food, freeze it, and let them lick it gradually.
“It cools them down and keeps them occupied.”
Signs of overheating in dogs
- Excessive panting
- Drooling or glazed eyes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Uncoordinated movements or collapse
If you notice any of these signs, stop all activity immediately, move them to a cool spot, and contact a vet. Cooling with lukewarm water – especially over the chest and belly – can help, but it's best to “avoid ice baths, as they may shock the system”.
If you're in doubt, don't walk your dog. They won't turn a walk down but they are at risk of serious health issues if they're walked in temperatures that are too high.
