As temperatures in the UK are forecast to reach 40°C in some areas this week, a veterinarian has issued a stark warning to dog owners: do not walk your dog 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 a video explaining why dogs cannot cope with heat the way humans can.
Why Dogs Struggle in Heat
"Your dog is not a small human," Simpson-Vernon said. "Just because you might be able to cope with the heat, it doesn't mean your dog, who is a different species, is able to." He explained that humans cool down by sweating, but dogs can only sweat from the underside of their paws, which is ineffective. Their primary cooling method is panting, which relies on evaporation from the throat and nose. However, the surface area for heat exchange in a dog's nose and throat is much smaller than a human's entire skin surface.
Flat-Faced Breeds at Higher Risk
The vet specifically warned owners of flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs and pugs. "Pugs and French bulldogs have very little nose and throat; it's basically like they're operating a broken aircon unit," he said. He also reminded owners that dogs are permanently wearing a fur coat they cannot remove, making them even more susceptible to overheating.
Heatstroke Can Be Fatal
Concluding his video, Simpson-Vernon stated: "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." He added that he often sees pugs panting in 30°C heat, and that heatstroke can be fatal. "Simply thinking your dog can cope with the same level of heat you can is where I think it often goes wrong," he said.
When Is It Too Hot to Walk a Dog?
According to the Royal Kennel Club, whether it is safe to walk a dog depends on the individual animal. Most dogs are comfortable between 15°C and 25°C, but factors such as age, breed, size, coat length, exercise intensity, health, and fitness all play a role. The organisation advises keeping walks to early morning or late evening when it is cooler, avoiding hot pavements, and always carrying water for the dog.
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke symptoms include heavy panting even when not exercising, breathing difficulties (especially in flat-faced breeds), tiredness, stiffness or reluctance to move, drooling, confusion, vomiting (possibly with blood), upset stomach, loss of coordination, and collapse. Owners are urged to seek veterinary help immediately if they suspect heatstroke.
