Important warning issued over temperatures you shouldn't walk your dog as heatwave scorches UK

If you are a dog owner, then best listen to this warning before taking advantage of the warm weather to take your pooch on a long walk.

Although we spend most of the year waiting for the Sun to finally show its face in the UK, we're often not particularly prepared for it - and that's not taking into account the possibility of reaching 46°C in the future.

There are plenty of things we humans need to think about, including whether we should be opening windows or sleeping with the fan on, but we have to remember that our little furry friends are dealing with the same weather with the equivalent of a winter coat on.

For those of you wondering whether to risk walking your dog in the excessive heat, Vets Now have provided some expertise on when it's too hot to walk your dog and the signs that suggest they might be struggling.

When should I walk my dog when it's hot?

Sunglasses won't be enough to protect your dog from the heat (Getty Stock)

According to Vets Now, the 'safe' temperature for a walk is 'up to 19°C (68°F)', however, they also urge to 'be careful when the mercury rises above this'.

"Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke." they add.

Obviously, its important that your dog still gets exercise, so you should try and walk them early in the morning or late at night when the temperature is lower to keep them safe.

Dogs can still suffer from heat stroke if they are exercised too vigorously between the temperatures of 20 and 23°C, especially if your dog has flat face, like a pug or a bulldog.

Anything above 30 degrees is a no-go, as it could be potentially life-threatening for your pooch, so its always best to be careful when we do enjoy these rare spells of sunshine in the UK.

What are the signs of heat stroke in a dog?

The pavement can often be far too hot for dogs and their paws (Getty Stock)

Symptoms of heat stroke can include excessive panting, drooling, shaking, rapid breathing, restlessness, and an inability to stand up, as well as being lethargic, having a lack of appetite and generally not acting like themselves.

Pet owners should also watch out for their pooch's paws, as it has long been argued that if you can't stand on the pavement with no shoes on, then it isn't safe for your dog to do either.

What is the temperature for this weekend?

As it stands, temperatures at the weekend in the south of the UK are expected to be comfortably over 30°C, so if you own a dog, it might mean getting their walk in much earlier or later than usual.

The Met Office's Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said: “The rising temperatures this week are a combination of several factors.

"Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day-on-day. Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK.

"We could very well see several places exceeding 30ºC, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far."