Woman Shares Key Sign To Tell If It’s Too Hot To Walk The Dog

It's absolutely sweltering today, and it's important to make sure your furry friends are keeping just as cool as you in the heat. Well, a dog owner has shared a handy tip that will help you decide whether it's too hot to take your dog for a walk:

Sian Coffey posted a video to her TikTok account urging people to take more care during bouts of hot weather, as it could be incredibly dangerous for their pets.

In the video, which was taken for an interactive doorbell, a man can be seen walking their dog along the pavement.

The dog then quickly darts across the road, making a beeline for a shaded patch beneath a tree.

Sian's caption reads: "If you are one of the many idiots walking your dog in a heatwave, you shouldn't be owning a dog.

"Watch the dog run for the shade, as the floor was boiling.

"If you cannot hold the back of your hand on the floor for five seconds, it's too hot."

Since the video was posted, it's been viewed over 444,000 times, with fellow pet owners piling into the comments to show their support.

PA

Agreeing with Sian, one user said: "Every dog owner should know this. If you disagree with this, you're the problem."

Another chimed in: "I work in a pub and the amount of people who bring their dogs out in the heat annoys me so much.

"They often don't bring water either. Lucky we provide it."

"A dog won't die from not being walked for a day, it will die from being walked in this heat," commented a third.

While another added: "It was way too hot for dogs to be out today, didn't take mine out for walks at all."

And with the Met Office warning that the warm weather is set to continue across the UK over the coming days, it could be something to bear in mind.

Met Office Operational Meteorologist Andy Page said: "The extension of the Azores high is the principal reason behind the UK's current weather pattern, which will see much of the UK reach heatwave thresholds over the weekend and into early next week.

PA

"High temperatures will remain in the forecast well into next week, but there's a risk of isolated heavy showers in the south of the UK on Monday and Tuesday, although it should be largely fine for most areas."

But with temperatures set to soar, Public Health England also issued a heat health alert due to last until Tuesday morning (20 July).

Scientific and Technical Lead Dr Owen Landeg said: "Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy.

"However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That's why we're urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk.

"If you're able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts.

"It's also worth remembering the practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat."

Topics: Met Office, Pet, Weather, Dog, UK News, heatwave, Animals, Health

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

@SmithersDom