Can you walk your dog in a heatwave and what are symptoms of heatstroke?

5 September 2023, 10:23

Heatstroke in dogs can be fatal, so it's important to keep them as safe as possible. Picture: Getty

By Alice Dear

As the UK experiences a September heatwave, experts are warning dog owners to look after their pets in the rising temperatures.

The UK is currently enjoying the sunshine as high pressure causes a late summer heatwave, with temperatures predicted to soar to 32C.

And while we enjoy the long-awaited hot weather, it's important we keep ourselves and our pets safe in the heatwave.

Some people will see the sunny weather as a great opportunity to take their four-legged friend for a walk, however, it is important to understand when it is too hot for your pooch to be outside.

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As well as this, as temperatures sore, all pet owners should be able to identify the signs of heatstroke.

It's important to keep your dog safe from heatstroke. Picture: Getty

When is it too hot to walk your dog?

According to Vets Now, it's generally safe to take your dog out in temperatures up to 19 degrees.

When the temperature rises above that, it is important to know that dogs can be at risk of heat stroke. This occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level.

They say that between 16 and 19 degrees is generally safe for dogs, while between 20 and 23 degree is a six out of ten risk rating.

When the temperature hits 24 and 27 degrees, this risk level goes up to nine out of ten, and then to ten out of ten when the weather reaches 32 degrees and above.

Avoid walking your dogs when the temperature is above 19 degrees. Picture: Getty

Practice owner and head vet at Cherry Tree Veterinary Practice in Buckinghamshire told Metro.co.uk there is a way to tell if it's too hot to take your dog out.

She says that if you stand barefoot on your patio or pavement and feel like it is too hot for you, it will be too hot for your dog.

She said: "Anything over 25C is very risky if people need a number as a benchmark. It also depends on humidity and breeze – or rather lack of."

To make things safer, make sure to walk your dog before 8am or after 8pm, and keep them in the shade.

These are just some of the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs. Picture: Getty

How do I know if my dog has heatstroke?

Heatstroke can be fatal to dogs, so it's important to know the signs and first aid.

Some of the signs to look out for include:

Heavy panting
Red eyes
Red gums
Hot skin
Reduced activity
Vomiting
Collapsing
Diarrhoea
Excessively drooling
The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
Difficulty breathing

Heatstroke can kill if it is not treated properly. Picture: Getty

What do I do if my dog has heatstroke?

According to information from the RSPCA, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually for the best chance of survival.

This is what they say you should do:

Move the dog to a shaded and cool area
Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog. Tap water (15-16°C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses. In a true emergency, any water is better than nothing.
Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat. In mild cases towels can be placed under the dog, but never over, and in a true emergency water immersion or pouring water with air movement is ideal
Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering
Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature, these dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority
Throughout the treatment of heatstroke try to avoid pouring water on or near your dog's head, as there is a risk of them inhaling water which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs.
Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency
Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types. Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication are also more at risk.

For more information, visit the RSCPA website here.