Dog owners across the UK are being urged to prioritise their pets' safety as a bank holiday heatwave is forecast to bring temperatures as high as 33°C. The Met Office has warned of an extraordinary period of warmth for May, with significant heat anticipated in many parts of the country.
Why High Temperatures Are Dangerous for Dogs
Dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature in extreme heat. They rely primarily on panting and sweating through their paw pads, making them highly susceptible to overheating. Research indicates that dogs are ten times more likely to suffer from heat-related illnesses while exercising in hot weather than from being left in hot vehicles. Heatstroke can be fatal, so it is crucial to take precautions.
The 8am to 8pm Dog Walking Rule
To protect dogs from the heat, the RSPCA and the Royal Kennel Club (RKC) recommend adhering to an 8am to 8pm rule. This means walking your dog only before 8am or after 8pm when temperatures are cooler. The RKC advises: "Stick to early mornings before 8am or late evenings after 8pm when the air and ground are cooler."
The RSPCA adds: "No dog ever died from missing one walk. If the pavement is too hot for your hand for five seconds, it's definitely too hot for paws. During the heatwave, stick to walks at dusk and dawn to avoid burnt paw pads and heatstroke, and if in doubt, don't go out."
Signs of Overheating and Paw Burn
Dog owners should watch for these warning signs: limping or refusing to walk, licking or chewing at feet, pads that appear darker in colour, missing parts of pads, blisters, or redness. If any of these symptoms appear, it is essential to stop the walk immediately and cool your dog down.
Additional Tips for Keeping Dogs Cool
The RSPCA recommends several measures to help dogs stay comfortable during hot weather:
- Place ice cubes in your dog's water bowl or make frozen treats.
- Freeze a Kong toy filled with treats and water for a cool snack.
- Provide damp towels for your dog to lie on, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. However, never place a damp towel over your dog, as this can trap heat.
Bank Holiday Weekend Weather Forecast
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30°C is likely on Saturday and 32°C on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday, when we could see 33°C recorded in southern England and the Midlands."
He added: "It is likely that the May and spring UK temperature records will be broken over the bank holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8°C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK."
With such extreme heat expected, dog owners are strongly advised to follow the 8am-8pm rule and take all necessary precautions to keep their pets safe and comfortable.
