Veterinary experts are urging dog owners in key areas across the UK to follow a 'no-walkies window' rule on Wednesday, June 24, and throughout the summer heatwave. The warning comes from Pooch and Mutt, a pet health brand that analyzed Met Office data to identify the hours when air temperatures reach 24C or above—a threshold at which dogs can begin to struggle, especially puppies, flat-faced breeds, overweight dogs, seniors, thick-coated dogs, or those with underlying health issues.
London Faces Longest 'No-Walkies Window'
According to the analysis, dogs in London face the longest period of caution, with Met Office hourly temperatures forecast to be at or above 24C for approximately 17 hours. Other cities also face extended caution windows: Southampton, Bristol, and Cardiff are expected to see around 16 hours at or above 24C, while Birmingham is forecast to experience about 15 hours in the caution zone. The findings suggest that the traditional advice to simply avoid midday walks is insufficient, as some cities will remain warm well into the evening and overnight.
Three-Step Rule for Hot Weather Walks
Pooch and Mutt encourages owners to follow a simple three-step rule during hot weather: check the temperature, check the pavement, and check your dog. If the air is too warm, the pavement is too hot to pass the hand test, or your dog is already panting before you set off, it's best to skip the walk. Dr. Linda Simon, resident vet at Pooch and Mutt, warns: "During a heatwave, a normal walk can quickly become dangerous for dogs. The mistake many owners make is assuming that if the sun has gone in, it must be safe. But pavements, roads and built-up areas can hold heat for hours, meaning an evening walk can still be risky."
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Pooch and Mutt urges owners to act fast if their dog shows any signs of overheating, including heavy or excessive panting, drooling more than usual, lethargy, weakness or wobbliness, bright red or very pale gums, vomiting or diarrhoea, or confusion or collapse. Dr. Simon adds: "If you think your dog is overheating, move them into shade or a cool room. Offer small amounts of water and pour cool, not ice-cold, water over the whole body (but not the head). You should contact a vet straight away, as heatstroke is an emergency."
Methodology and Guidance
Daily peak temperatures were taken from Met Office city forecast pages. The 'no walkies window' was calculated by reviewing Met Office hourly temperature forecasts and counting the number of forecast hours where air temperatures were expected to sit at 24C or above. This threshold was selected as the point at which dog owners should begin taking extra care. A secondary 'highest-risk' window was calculated by counting forecast hours at 28C or above. The figures are intended as a guide, and individual risk varies depending on breed, age, weight, coat type, fitness, and health.
