24/06/2026
I’m seeing lots of owners walking their dogs at peak heat times this week and it’s really concerning! 🔥
I genuinely believe that people just aren’t educated on why this is so dangerous. So rather than judge these people, why not educate them on why it’s so dangerous -
🌞 Dogs can overheat much faster than people because they cannot sweat like we do. They mainly cool themselves by panting, which becomes much less effective in hot weather.
🌞 Walking in high temperatures can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which is a life-threatening emergency.
🌞 Hot pavements, tarmac, and sand can burn the sensitive pads of a dog’s paws in seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.
🌞 Dogs with thick coats, flat faces (such as Bulldogs and Pugs), older dogs, puppies, and dogs with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness.
🌞 Even shaded routes can be dangerous if the air temperature and humidity are high, making it harder for dogs to cool down.
🌞 Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums, weakness, vomiting, confusion, staggering, and collapse.
🌞 Heatstroke can develop very quickly and may cause organ failure, seizures, or death if not treated promptly.
🌞 Dogs can continue to overheat even after a walk has ended, especially if they are transported in a warm car or taken indoors without adequate cooling.
🌞 Early morning or late evening walks, when temperatures are much lower, are much safer than walking during the hottest part of the day.
🌞 On very hot days, it’s often better to skip the walk altogether and provide indoor enrichment, gentle play, fresh water, and access to cool, shaded areas instead.
Let keep our dogs safe 💞🐾
