Dog owners told to avoid ‘11am to 3pm’ walking mistake during 35C heatwave

Dog owners told to avoid ‘11am to 3pm’ walking mistake during 35C heatwave Owners are urged not to walk their pets at certain times of the day When temperatures soar, many dog owners instinctively reach for the lead and venture outside to enjoy the sunshine. But that harmless afternoon walk could rapidly turn into a medical crisis. The warnings arrive as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures into the mid-to-high 30Cs across swathes of the UK. The Met Office has issued heat-health alerts, cautioning that extreme temperatures bring serious disruption and heightened public health dangers. Specialists at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals urge owners to steer clear of walking their dogs during the hottest stretch of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. It's within this timeframe that both air and ground temperatures can climb dramatically, creating circumstances that heighten the risk of heat-related conditions. The Met Office points out that during heatwaves, surfaces like tarmac can become considerably hotter than the surrounding air, meaning pavements can reach levels hot enough to scorch a dog's paws within moments of contact. Veterinary specialists highlight that dogs are especially susceptible to overheating as they don't sweat like humans. Instead, they depend primarily on panting to control body temperature, which becomes far less efficient in intense heat. According to the RSPCA, owners ought to walk dogs during cooler periods, such as early morning or late evening, and test pavements with the back of their hand beforehand to determine whether they're too hot. Heatstroke in dogs can take hold alarmingly fast during warm weather and may turn fatal without swift veterinary attention, with warning signs including heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting and sluggishness. The British Veterinary Association has previously cautioned that incidents of heat-related illness in pets surge dramatically during UK heatwaves, particularly when owners fail to appreciate just how quickly temperatures can soar. Animal welfare groups also point out that flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs face a greater risk owing to restricted breathing, making careful scheduling and reduced exercise all the more crucial during hot spells. Practical guidance includes making sure pets have constant access to fresh water, steering clear of unnecessary car journeys during peak heat, and keeping walks brief, shaded and adaptable to the prevailing conditions. Experts further note that grass and shaded surfaces are far kinder on paws than sun-baked pavements. As the UK continues to endure lengthy periods of intense heat, authorities stress that minor adjustments to walking routines can make a significant difference. Steering clear of the midday heat window is being highlighted as a straightforward yet highly effective measure in cutting avoidable cases of heat-related illness among pets.