Dog owners are being urged to rethink their daily routines during the current spell of hot weather, with vets and animal welfare charities warning that heatstroke can develop faster than many people realise.
The RSPCA has advised owners to treat periods of extreme heat as a temporary “dog lockdown”, saying it is safer for pets to miss a walk than risk becoming dangerously overheated.
Veterinary teams are also reporting an increase in heat-related illnesses. Amy Wheeler, from CVS Vets in Bristol, said some dogs arriving at clinics have body temperatures above 41C, a level where organ damage can begin.
Dogs regulate their body temperature very differently from humans. Instead of sweating through their skin, they rely mainly on panting and limited sweating through their paw pads, making them especially vulnerable during hot weather.
Flat-faced breeds, including French bulldogs and pugs, along with elderly and overweight dogs, are considered to be at greater risk because they cannot cool themselves as effectively.
Vets are also warning owners not to overlook the dangers posed by hot pavements. Wheeler said surfaces can become hot enough to burn paws, noting that when the air temperature reaches 25C, tarmac can climb to around 52C, increasing the risk of blisters and injuries.
Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, vomiting, lethargy, and unusually bright red or pale gums. Owners who notice these symptoms are urged to seek veterinary advice immediately.
To help pets stay safe, the RSPCA recommends keeping fresh drinking water available, closing curtains to reduce indoor temperatures, using fans where appropriate, and providing cool, damp towels for dogs to lie on.
The charity also advises avoiding walks between 8am and 8pm during periods of very hot weather. Instead, owners are encouraged to provide indoor enrichment activities, such as puzzle feeders or treat-based games, until temperatures fall.
Dogs Trust centres have adopted similar measures, using frozen enrichment toys, snuffle mats and food puzzles to keep dogs mentally stimulated while avoiding outdoor exercise.
Animal welfare experts say normal walking routines can resume once temperatures become safer, but until then, protecting dogs from overheating should take priority.
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