When it’s too hot to take your dog out as red extreme weather warning issued for UK

Experts have shared when it's too hot to take your dog for a walk as the UK has been warned of a heatwave.

Taking a stroll out in the sunshine might be pleasant for us, the same may not be true for our canine friends.

While daily walks are an important part of keeping your dog healthy and happy, sometimes when the weather is particularly hot then it may be better for them to stay at home during the hottest parts of the day.

The Met Office has issued a red warning for heat this week which is running from Wednesday through to Thursday, with temperatures forecast to hit the low 30s in parts of the country.

Hot weather can be a big health risk for dogs, with the RSPCA warning in the BBC that exercising during hot weather can be a trigger for heatstroke in dogs.

That means that when it gets particularly hot, it may be a better idea to wait until the cooler parts of the day to take your dog out for their walk.

Sometimes staying at home where it's cooler may be the better option (Getty Stock)

The organisation shared some tips for how to know when it's too hot to take your dog out.

A big one is that there is no one rule for all dogs, or a single 'safe' temperature.

This is because different breeds of dog have different levels of heat sensitivity.

For a example, a husky or Bernese mountain dog are both bred with thick coats for cold weather so are likely to have a tougher time in the heat than a breed with a shorter, thinner coat.

So what can you do instead?

Well the RSPCA recommends keeping a close eye on how your dog is behaving in the hot weather.

If they're unwilling to go outside, or are panting a lot when you take them out, then it may be a better idea to stay home during the hottest parts of the day.

Staying hydrated is very important in the heat (Getty Stock)

Other things might be licking or chewing at their feet, or their foot pads appearing damaged or darker in colour than usual.

This is because of the temperature of the ground, as while we wear shoes when we leave the house, the same is not true dogs, at least for the most part.

And even though a dog's paws have evolved to be durable while they run about outside, having to walk on hot tarmac or pavements in a heatwave can still be uncomfortable or painful for a dog.

If you are staying at home due to the heat, the RSPCA recommends having some activities at home to keep your dog engaged.

This could be enrichment games or toys such as balls with a treat inside, or puzzles that they have to solve.