Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaliyah Rugg

Best time to walk your dog during a heatwave

The best time to walk your dog has been shared as temperatures rise.

Temperatures have soared across Merseyside in recent days and many people have been flocking to their nearest beauty spot to make the most of the sun. And the warm weather is set to continue through the week as the Met Office predicts temperatures to remain in the 20s.

But despite many people enjoying the warm weather, the heat is no good for our pets. As complaints pour in on social media of people walking their dogs during high temperatures, the RSPCA has issued important advice.

READ MORE: Expert's advice on your rights when working in hot weather

According to the animal rescue charity, dogs need exercise, even when it's hot. But it is recommended walking your dog in the morning or evening when it is cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement.

Dogs lose heat through panting, can only sweat through their paws and are at a high risk of heatstroke so it is recommended not to run or cycle with your dog when it is hot and avoid pavements. The RSPCA said: "Try the five-second test, if it's too hot for your hands, it's too hot for paws."

Signs of a burned pad include:

  • Limping or refusing to walk
  • Licking or chewing at the feet
  • Pads darker in colour
  • Missing part of pad
  • Blisters or redness

Signs of heatstroke include:

  • Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
  • Excessively drooling
  • The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
  • Collapsed or vomiting
  • If you suspect your dog has the signs of heat stroke you must act quickly.

The RSPCA is also urging owners to avoid taking pets out in cars, leaving them in conservatories, outbuildings and caravans, even if only for a short time. They added: "When it's 22C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47C in these environments, which can be fatal."

It is also recommended to use pet safe sunscreen on exposed parts of the pet's skin, including the tips of their ears and nose, which is especially important if a dog has white or light-coloured fur. Ensure pets have ice cubes in their water bowl or ice cube treats and a damp towel to lie on as well as access to plenty of water and shade.

More information on how to keep your dog cool can be found here.

READ NEXT:

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here

Young woman leaves doctors speechless after demanding scan

Mango shoppers desperate to buy 'stunning' £50 bag that's 'so chic'

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.