Heatwave: When is it too hot to walk your dog?

June has brought with it some record high temperatures, with the hottest day of the year already recorded with temperatures of 32.4°C.

As we all try to find ways to deal with the heat, spare a thought for how hot your canine companion feels in this weather wearing a full fur coat.

Dogs should be walked every day, and a lot of breeds require more than once per day , but taking them out in these boiling temperatures may not be a good idea.

But how do you know when the heat is too much for your furry friend?

Add Brushing Your Dogs Teeth into Their Grooming Routine. Get in the habit of brushing your dogs teeth daily to avoid expensive dental visits later. You can use a human toothbrush if you like (though they make ones for dogs, too), but be sure to pick up tooth paste that’s formulated for dogs.

When is it too hot to walk your dog?

When the temperature rises above that, it is important to know that dogs can be at risk of heatstroke – which can be fatal in as little as 15 minutes.

This occurs when when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level.

Vets Now says 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.

Help Them Adapt to New Environments. “The only thing that likes change is a four-week-old baby in a wet diaper.” Though puppies and kittens are easygoing, mature pets often need guidance transitioning into new spaces. Dr. Becker advises introducing them slowly. “Don’t just dump them in a new house and hope for the best.” Pheromone sprays are handy for making strange houses more inviting. “Cats,” notes Dr. Becker, exist as both predator and prey, and in predator mode, they need vertical surfaces like climbing towers to feel safe.”

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.

She explained to Metro.co.uk: ‘If you stand barefoot on the patio or pavement and it feels too hot for you, then it’s certainly too hot for your dog.

Move over Rover! 45% of dogs sleep in their owner’s bed (we’re pretty sure a large percentage also hog the blankets!)

‘Anything over 25°C is very risky if people need a number as a benchmark. It also depends on humidity and breeze – or rather lack of.’

If you take your dog out and it starts getting too hot, make sure to look out for the warning signs that the heat is just too much for them – this includes heavy panting, red eyes, red gums, hot skin, reduced activity, vomiting, diarrhoea and collapsing.

Use Baking Soda to Clean up Pet Urine. If your dog pees on the carpet use baking soda (which is also great at removing odors) to clean it up. Pour some baking soda over the spot, let it sit for 20 minutes and then vacuum it up.

These are all signs of heat-related health issues.

In terms of doing all you can to make sure your dog is kept cool during the hot weather , Clare adds: ‘Put ice cubes into water bowls , have a paddling pool for them outside in the shade, get a fan for indoors and never ever shut a dog in the car, or a shadeless garden.

‘If indoors never shut them in a closed room without a window being left open.’

It’s very important that you look after your furry friend in this heat.

Spay and neuter your pet. Studies have shown that pets that are spayed and neutered live healthier, longer lives. Plus, spayed a neutered pets are less likely to develop behavior problems.

Clare says that sadly, she’s already seen two deaths from heatstroke this year.

She said: ‘One was a young fit and athletic dog who just kept running around a field until he collapsed.

‘He presented no obvious signs until it was too late. So please don’t assume your dog will stop if it is overheating!

‘It’s about being responsible and thinking about the comfort of your pet.’