Hot weather can be dangerous for dogs (Picture: Getty)
June 2023 has been a scorcher so far, with the hottest day of the year recorded on Saturday.
As we all try to find ways to deal with the hot weather, spare a thought for how hot your canine companion feels in this weather wearing a full fur coat.
Dogs should be walked every day, and a lot of breeds require more than once per day, but taking them out in these boiling temperatures may not be a good idea.
But how do you know when the heat is too much for your furry friend?
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
It’s safe to take your dog out in temperatures up to 19°C as long as they are well-hydrated, according to Vets Now.
When the temperature rises above that, it is important to know that dogs can be at risk of heatstroke – which can be fatal in as little as 15 minutes.
Putting ice cubes in water bowls can help keep dogs cool (Picture: Getty)
This occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level.
Vets Now say that between 16 and 19°C is generally safe for dogs, while between 20 and 23°C is a six out of ten risk rating.
When the temperature hits 24 and 27°C, this risk level goes up to nine out of ten, and then to ten out of ten when the weather reaches 32°C and above.
Dog expert Clare Hamilton says that the best way to find out whether it’s too hot to walk your pup is to stand on the pavement barefoot yourself.
Clare, head vet at Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice, explained to Metro.co.uk: ‘If you stand barefoot on the patio or pavement and it feels too hot for you, then it’s certainly too hot for your dog.
If the pavement feels too hot for your bare feet, then it is certainly too hot for your dog (Picture: Getty)
‘Anything over 25°C is very risky if people need a number as a benchmark. It also depends on humidity and breeze – or rather lack of.’
Clare adds that to be extra safe, you shouldn’t walk your dogs after 8am or before 8pm in the extreme heat – and only walk them in the shade.
If you take your dog out and it starts getting too hot, make sure to look out for the warning signs that the heat is just too much for them – this includes heavy panting, red eyes, red gums, hot skin, reduced activity, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapsing.
These are all signs of heat-related health issues.
In terms of doing all you can to make sure your dog is kept cool during the hot weather, Clare adds: ‘Put ice cubes into water bowls, have a paddling pool for them outside in the shade, get a fan for indoors and never ever shut a dog in the car, or a shadeless garden.
‘If indoors never shut them in a closed room without a window being left open.’
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If it’s too hot for you, it’s definitely too hot for them.