27/05/2026
As the UK has been gripped with a heatwave and the highest ever recorded temperatures for May, we have a bit of a day off today before the temps spike again over the next few days. Well, day off is not exactly true, dogs overheat in all temperatures so never lower your guard.
Usually, when the heat arrives the arguments on how to cool dogs arrive with it, not this time, this time it's mostly about walking/exercising dogs when it's hot.
The amount of rude, abusive behaviour I've seen over the last few days is sad.
Sadly, as well as owners, I'm seeing dog trainers/behavourists putting up posts with the most foul, abusive language directed towards anyone who goes out anywhere with a dog and doesn't keep them at home, language I'm not going to repeat here. Some of these people have a large following and the potential to reach a lot of people, these posts often get a lot of attention, but unfortunately the only thing in common they all have is absolutely no educational value of any kind, they've helped no dogs, just maybe stoked a few egos.
I suspect in many cases they fail to educate because they don't really have the knowledge to put anything useful out that will help owners, which in turn helps their dogs.
There is a recent educational post put out by a Veterinarian who runs agility with her own dogs, a post far more useful for those dogs at events, that received a number of negative comments.
There have also been a small number of other more useful posts by some dog trainers receiving negative comments.
No one wants to see dogs getting hurt, people want to help, but there is a way to go about it.
To be clear, when it's hot, there are many dogs that shouldn't be out, some owners that refuse to listen, but, and people might not like to hear it, there are some dogs, with knowledgeable owners/handlers that do okay in the heat, they are looking after their dogs.
As for working dogs, they do need to train, with care, when the temperatures rise, to prepare for working in those conditions.
Heat alone doesn't kill dogs, people do.
If you only focus on the temperature alone, the number, you have much more to learn.
Education, and people willing to accept they have more to learn is key.
As the saying goes: "if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room".
If you really want to learn and help dogs, surround yourself with people with more knowledge and experience than you, that's how you will improve.
With respect to those that don't understand, those putting out unhelpful, abusive information... do better.
This page was originally set up for the working/sporting dogs, but anyone can use the information.
This page is about education, the description of this page says "a compilation of information from multiple veterinarians, medics, researchers, mushers, and K9 handlers experienced in this field."
You can find all their information in this index post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GXwJ6vY6r/ , information to better your understanding of heat and dogs, that will actually help, there's a lot there that will keep you busy... soak it up.
Here's a small selection:
Differences in Heat Tolerance between dogs and factors to consider:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B3GEDF1z9/
Reading Dogs:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18FVwXcyPw/
Cooling in the Field: Realities & Practicalities:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dk36UJ9J2/
Hydration Index:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ENSjcbDDC/
VTG's FREE Heat Injury Webinar:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C678shmMm/
