A dog trainer has issued a stark warning for dog owners living in flats, urging them not to take their pets out for proper walks during the current heatwave. The expert emphasised that even those without gardens must prioritise their dog's safety over the need for exercise in scorching temperatures.
When is it too hot to walk your dog?
The trainer explained that temperatures above 24°C can make pavements dangerously hot for dogs' paws, potentially causing burns. When the mercury exceeds 28°C, no dog should be taken outside for a walk at all. Brief toilet breaks in shaded areas are acceptable, but prolonged exposure is risky.
Flat owners have no excuse
Addressing a common concern, the TikTok user @southenddogtraining1 stated that living in a flat is not a valid reason to walk a dog in extreme heat. He distinguished between quick toilet trips and proper exercise, noting that healthy dogs can manage a few minutes outside to relieve themselves without harm.
He advised owners to schedule walks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. "Your dog doesn't need a 60-minute walk in 25°C weather. That's how dogs get heatstroke," he warned.
Practical tips for dog owners
The trainer recommended a simple test: place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it feels uncomfortable, it's too hot for your dog. He also noted that dogs with full bladder control can last through the night without frequent toilet breaks.
Comments on the video showed support from other owners, with one sharing how they walked their dog at 6:15 am to avoid the heat. Another owner from the Netherlands described carrying their 30kg dog to grass during 35°C summers. Indoor alternatives like dog barns and soft play centres were also suggested to keep dogs active safely.
