Dogs Trust Harefield is urging dog owners to exercise caution when walking their pets during the current heatwave, as scorching pavements and warm conditions can pose a significant risk to their health.
With a rare red heat warning issued across the region, the UK's largest dog welfare charity is reminding owners that hot pavements and parks can quickly become dangerously hot, increasing the risk of heat-related illness such as heat stroke.
Unlike humans, dogs are unable to regulate their body temperature by sweating and rely mainly on panting to cool themselves down. As a result, walking, playing, or spending time in hot areas can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous for dogs. Pavements and roads absorb heat throughout the day, becoming hot enough to burn a dog's paw pads, and Dogs Trust Harefield is advising owners to take precautions to prevent this.
To keep their dogs safe, owners are advised to walk them early in the morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, and to skip walks altogether on particularly hot days. Dogs Trust Harefield also recommends checking pavements and roads with the back of their hand before heading out, sticking to grassy, shaded areas, and minimising time on tarmac or concrete. Additionally, owners should always carry fresh water, keep exercise to a minimum, and never leave their dog alone in a vehicle.
If an owner suspects their dog is suffering from heatstroke, they should "cool first, transport second", stopping any exercise or activity immediately, moving the dog to a cool, shaded area, and offering drinking water.
Dogs Trust Harefield is urging owners to remember that missing a walk is far preferable to risking painful paw burns or heat-related illness, and that dogs do not need a daily walk if conditions are unsafe.
To find out more about how to keep your dog safe during the heatwave, visit http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/seasonal/warm-weather.
