As the UK faces a red weather warning, pet insurer ManyPets is urging dog owners to rethink their pet's safety in soaring temperatures. Lead vet Dr Kirsten Ronngren has highlighted a common but overlooked risk: dog collars. In hot weather, a collar pressing on a dog's airway can restrict panting, the primary way dogs cool down. Dr Ronngren recommends switching to a harness, ideally a lightweight mesh one for summer.
Swap the Collar for a Harness
Dr Ronngren stated: "Perhaps the least well-known tip on the list, and one I’d say pet parents of brachycephalic breeds and dogs that pull a lot with a regular lead need to hear. When a lead pulls against a dog's collar, it presses on their airway, which directly restricts their ability to pant. Since panting is the main way dogs regulate their body temperature, anything that interrupts it in hot weather is a potential problem. Switching to a harness during a heatwave is a simple change that could make a meaningful difference to your dog's comfort and safety."
For dogs that pull, a harness is safer than a collar. Dr Ronngren added: "If people do use a harness because their dog pulls, use a lighter mesh one in warmer temps vs. thicker in the winter."
Time Your Walks Carefully
The sun's UV peak occurs between 10am and 3pm, with the hottest air temperatures around 3-4pm. Early morning and late evening walks are strongly recommended. Dr Ronngren advised: "Owners who run with their dogs or throw balls repeatedly should ease back significantly during hot weather (and sometimes skip altogether if you can’t get out at cooler times of day). Dogs, particularly young puppies, struggle to regulate their body temperature and will often keep going long past the point they should stop. It’s an owner's responsibility to enforce safe limits for their pup."
Check the Pavement Temperature
Research from Admiral and the University of Leicester shows that tarmac can reach 50°C when the air temperature is 25°C — above the scalding risk threshold for hot water. Yet only 43% of dog owners avoid walking on pavements, tarmac, and artificial grass in hot weather, according to Admiral. Dr Ronngren suggested: "Before heading out, press the back of your hand against the ground for five to ten seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Pavements, roads and sand can all reach temperatures that cause burns in seconds. Sticking to grass and shaded paths wherever possible is the safest option."
Never Leave Your Dog in a Car
Dr Ronngren emphasized: "This remains one of the most important reminders every summer, and every summer it still needs repeating. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes even on a moderately warm day, and cracking a window makes almost no difference. There is no errand quick enough to justify leaving a dog alone in a hot vehicle. If travelling with a dog, ensure your dog can join you on your stops or leave your dog at home."
By following these tips, owners can help keep their dogs safe and comfortable during the UK heatwave.
