A rare red extreme heat warning covered parts of the UK this week, and Dogs Trust West Calder used that moment to deliver a blunt message for dog owners: some days are simply too hot for a normal walk. That matters because heat risk for dogs is not the same as heat risk for people. Dogs Trust says dogs do not cool themselves by sweating in the same way humans do and rely mainly on panting, which means walking, playing, or staying in hot areas can become dangerous quickly.
Emily Mills, veterinary projects manager at Dogs Trust, put it plainly: “Dogs are much more vulnerable to heat than people, and can quickly become uncomfortable or develop heat-related illness, especially if they are exercised during the hottest parts of the day.”
The wider weather backdrop helps explain the warning. The Met Office said the red warning joined existing amber extreme heat warnings stretching from Monday to the end of Thursday across much of southern and central England and much of Wales.
Dogs Trust’s main advice is to change routine rather than push through it. The charity says walks should be limited to cooler periods, such as early morning or later in the evening, and that on exceptionally hot days owners should consider skipping walks altogether.
That recommendation is not just about air temperature. Dogs Trust identifies pavements as one of the biggest hot-weather hazards because they absorb heat and can burn paw pads. The charity advises owners to test roads or pavements with the back of a hand for five seconds before setting out. If it feels too hot for your hand, Dogs Trust says it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Mills said, “The safest option during hot weather is to walk dogs during the coolest times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. On exceptionally hot days, it may be best to avoid walks altogether and instead focus on enrichment activities and keeping your dog cool and comfortable at home.”
When a walk is unavoidable, Dogs Trust advises sticking to grassy, shaded areas and minimising time on tarmac or concrete. It also recommends carrying fresh water, making sure dogs have cool drinking water at home, and keeping exercise to a minimum.
If you do skip the walk, the point is not to do nothing. Blue Cross advises using indoor enrichment such as refreshing basic training or a treat puzzle during very hot weather, when exercise may be best avoided altogether.
Some dogs face higher risk than others. Dogs Trust says brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are at increased risk, along with older dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with pre-existing medical conditions. Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center also notes that short-muzzle breeds, older dogs, and overweight dogs are at higher risk for heatstroke.
There are a few other precautions that should stay non-negotiable during a heatwave. Dogs Trust warns never to leave a dog alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes or with windows open. It also recommends cool resting places at home, including shade, cooling mats, or frozen treats made from pet-friendly ingredients.
Owners should also know the signs that can mean a dog is struggling with the heat. Dogs Trust lists excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapse as warning signs, and says owners should contact a vet immediately if they are concerned. Cornell describes heatstroke as a medical emergency and lists heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and collapse among the signs.
If heatstroke is suspected, Dogs Trust’s central instruction is “cool first, transport second.” The charity says to stop exercise, move the dog to a cool shaded area, offer water, start cooling with water that is cooler than the dog’s body temperature, and avoid wet towels that can trap heat.
That advice matches current veterinary guidance. The Royal Veterinary College says immediate first aid for dogs with heatstroke should follow the same “cool first, transport second” approach, with owners seeking veterinary advice as soon as possible. The RVC also says the key is to cool the dog quickly using water that is cooler than the dog, because delays in cooling can worsen the outcome.
On the hottest days, the safest choice may feel counterintuitive because it means doing less, not more. But during extreme heat, skipping the walk, keeping your dog cool at home, and watching closely for early signs of trouble may be the most responsible plan. What would you do if your dog were in this situation? Share your thoughts in the comments.
By Sarah Mitchell — 8 years as a local-news reporter covering animal welfare, shelters, neighborhood disputes, and public-safety pet stories.
