25/05/2026
☀️🐶 A gentle reminder as the weather gets hotter: please think twice before walking your dogs in extreme heat.
We all want to give our dogs exercise, but hot weather can become dangerous very quickly. Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, they mainly cool themselves through panting and their paws, which means they can overheat much faster than we realise. Heatstroke in dogs can happen within minutes and can sadly be fatal. The most common cause of heatstroke in dogs is actually exercise in warm weather. 
🌡️ When is it too hot to walk a dog?
As a general guide:
• Below 20°C – usually safe for most dogs (depending on breed, age, and health)
• 20–23°C – caution needed, especially for flat-faced, elderly, overweight, thick-coated dogs, or puppies
• 24–27°C – high risk for many dogs, walks should be very limited or avoided
• 28°C+ – dangerous for all dogs and can become life-threatening very quickly 
⏰ Best times to walk?
Early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler and pavements aren’t scorching hot. Try to avoid the hottest hours (roughly 11am–3pm). 
🐾 Remember the pavement test
Put the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws and can cause burns. Grass or shaded woodland routes are much safer. 
🚨 Signs of heatstroke to watch for
Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, wobbling, confusion, difficulty breathing, or collapsing. If your dog seems unwell in the heat, cool them gradually and contact a vet urgently. 
“But my dog still needs exercise!” absolutely, and mental enrichment can be just as tiring as a walk 👇
🏡 Indoor enrichment ideas for hot days:
• Snuffle mats or scatter feeding
• Frozen treats/Kongs
• Lick mats with dog-safe toppings
• Hide-and-seek with treats or toys
• Puzzle feeders
• Short training sessions (tricks, recall, scent work)
• Tug, gentle play, or indoor games
• Paddling pool or supervised water play in the shade (if your dog enjoys water)
A missed walk is far safer than risking heatstroke. Your dog won’t remember missing one hot afternoon walk but their body will thank you for staying safe ❤️🐾
(Ft Millie the cocker spaniel!)