Vet Issues Urgent Warning on Dog Walks During Heatwave
With temperatures forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the UK this week, a veterinarian has issued urgent advice for dog owners, warning against walking pets during the hottest part of the day. Ben Simpson-Vernon, known as Ben the Vet on TikTok where he has over 220,000 followers, shared the guidance on social media as the Met Office announced a red weather warning for Wednesday and Thursday, affecting up to 50 locations across the country.
“This video is a gentle reminder from a vet for those people who choose to walk their dog during the hottest part of the day during a heatwave,” Simpson-Vernon stated. “Especially if that dog is a French bulldog, a pug, or other flat-faced breed of dog.” He emphasised that dogs are not small humans and cannot regulate body temperature as effectively, noting that while humans cool down by sweating, dogs primarily rely on panting, which is less efficient.
Why Dogs Overheat Faster Than Humans
Simpson-Vernon explained that dogs cannot sweat except from the underside of their paws, which offers minimal cooling. “The primary way they cool themselves down is by panting, and this works by fluid evaporating from tissues in their throat and nose. Your dog's panting is not as effective as your sweating because the surface area for heat exchange in their nose and throat is much lower than your whole body surface area that you use when you sweat,” he said. Flat-faced breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs are especially vulnerable because they have very little nose and throat surface area, making their cooling system akin to “a broken aircon unit.” He also reminded owners that dogs are permanently wearing a fur coat they cannot remove.
“A dog never died from missing a walk. If in doubt, especially if your dog is elderly, overweight, has health problems, or a flattened face, just don't go out,” Simpson-Vernon concluded. “I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets upset seeing a pug panting away on a walk in 30-degree heat. Remember, heatstroke can be fatal – and simply thinking your dog can cope with the same level of heat you can is where I think it often goes wrong.”
When Is It Too Hot to Walk a Dog?
The Royal Kennel Club advises that most dogs are comfortable at temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, but this varies by age, breed, size, coat length, exercise intensity, health, and fitness. “Some dogs may struggle to maintain a low body temperature, even in lower temperatures,” the organisation stated. Owners are urged to restrict walks to early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, avoid hot pavements that can burn paws, and always carry water to keep dogs hydrated.
Warning Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated promptly. Symptoms include heavy panting even when not exercising, breathing difficulties (especially in flat-faced breeds), tiredness, stiffness or unwillingness to move, excessive drooling, confusion, vomiting (possibly bloody), upset stomach (possibly bloody), inability to walk in a straight line, and collapse. If any of these signs appear, immediate veterinary attention is required.
