26/05/2026
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🐶 HOT WEATHER WARNING FOR DOG OWNERS ☀️
Powered by Trees and Bees Cornwall Ltd
As temperatures continue to climb across Cornwall, it’s not just us humans feeling the heat… our four-legged weather assistants are struggling too. And while many of us are enjoying the sunshine, pavements, tarmac, roads, artificial grass and even beach sand can become dangerously hot for dogs very quickly.
People are often shocked at just how hot surfaces can get. Even when the air temperature is around 25°C, dark tarmac exposed to direct sunshine can easily climb above 50°C. That’s hot enough to burn paws, cause blisters and leave dogs in a lot of pain.
And remember… dogs don’t wear shoes. Unless yours has somehow become a surfing influencer from Newquay wearing tiny sunglasses and flip-flops.
One of the easiest ways to test if the ground is too hot is the simple “7-second rule”:
Place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds.
If it’s too painful or uncomfortable for your hand, then it’s definitely too hot for your dog’s paws.
Dogs can’t tell us when the ground is hurting them until the damage is already done. Some signs of burnt paws can include:
Limping, Licking their feet excessively, Darkened or red paw pads, Blisters, Refusing to walk
The hottest part of the day is usually between 11am and 4pm, especially during sunny weather with light winds and high UV levels. Early morning walks or later evening walks are much safer and more comfortable for dogs.
A few tips to help keep your dog safe in the heat:
Always bring water, stick to shaded routes where possible, wand alk on grass instead of pavements
Never leave dogs in parked cars, even for “just two minutes”
Be careful on beaches too because sand can become roasting hot
And please remember, dogs cool themselves mainly through panting, which means hot and humid weather can affect them much faster than many people realise. Flat-faced breeds, older dogs and overweight dogs are especially vulnerable during hot weather.
Looking at the latest weather charts, Cornwall is going to continue seeing warm sunshine and high UV levels over the coming days, so this is something worth thinking about all week.
And finally…
If the pavement feels like it could fry a full English breakfast… maybe save the dog walk for later.
Stay safe everyone and give your dogs an extra fuss from us here at KWT.