A dog lover has recounted confronting an owner walking their pet on a roasting pavement during a heatwave, telling them to 'take your shoes and socks off' to understand the discomfort. The incident occurred as the UK braces for a 'red alert' heatwave, with parts of England expected to reach 40C on Monday and Tuesday.
Reddit User Expresses Outrage
Taking to Reddit, the user described seeing numerous dog owners walking their pets in and around London during the hottest part of the day. 'Yesterday at around 2pm I lost it and told someone to take their shoes and socks off and walk on the concrete to see how they liked it, just got a blank stare back like I was talking another language,' they wrote. The user criticized excuses like 'I don't have a garden' and suggested indoor enrichment activities such as hiding treats.
RSPCA and Kennel Club Warnings
The RSPCA has urged dog owners not to walk their pets in the heat, particularly where there is little shade, such as beaches and fields. The charity states: 'If in doubt, don't go out.' The Kennel Club warns that hot pavements can burn dogs' paws, advising owners to place the back of their hand on the pavement for seven seconds—if it's too hot for the hand, it's too hot for the dog's paws.
Dog Welfare Specialist Calls Heat Walks 'Silent Killer'
An RSPCA dog welfare specialist said: 'The truth is walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer. While the majority would never leave our dogs in a car on a hot day, many people may still be putting their dogs at risk even on a short walk.' The specialist emphasized: 'When it comes to walks, if in doubt, don't go out.'
Reddit Users Share Their Experiences
Other Reddit users responded with similar concerns. One said: 'How do people even get them out the door? Mine hasn't moved off the kitchen floor for 2 days, he looks like he's melted into the laminate.' Another added: 'Mine is still sleeping under blankets… had to put a fan directed at his legs.' A third user noted: 'Just had to demand mine came inside or she'll just sit there cooking.'
