It’s hot in the UK today – that much is clear.
And yet, as I have walked (slowly) around London today and yesterday, the number of dogs out on the streets of the capital is extraordinary.
Whilst we as humans can sweat to cool ourselves down – dogs merely have panting on their side, plus a full coat of fur.
Creature Comforts has vet clinics in Putney, Twickenham, Balham and Clapham Junction, offering a full range of services for dogs, cats and small furries.
Dr Hazel Maw, the Twickenham clinic’s head vet, said: “Imagine going out in this heat with a fur coat on!
“Keep your pup safe by keeping them inside and in the shade. Only walk in the early morning and late evening, and save running and ball chasing for another day.
“Always test the tarmac; it’s too hot for you to stand barefoot for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for sensitive paws.”
The British Veterinary Association are clear: “Even a short walk during the hottest part of the day or being left in a vehicle for a few minutes can have devastating consequences.”
Put this into perspective: the air temperature in London is set to reach 35°C today and feel like 42°C, according to BBC Weather.
And that’s just the air – according to FourPaws, if the outside temperature reaches this level, tarmac and pavements can reach 65°C.
What does this feel like? From just above 43°C, adult human skin starts to feel pain and the risk of burning increases from there to 70°C at which point burning is rapid, according to an article on the threshold of burn injury.
In other words: it hurts.
And if it hurts the back of your hand after holding it on a pavement/road for more than 7 seconds, it is going to hurt your dog’s paws.
Indeed, this is the 7-second test the Royal Kennel Club encourage dog owners to use.
In short: your dog will survive a few walk-less days – in fact, they’ll thank you for it.
If you think your dog is suffering from heat stroke, try and cool it down immediately and seek urgent advice from your vet. Read this page for possible symptoms: RSPCA heatstroke advice.
Featured image credit: Sarah Mayne
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