As temperatures soar, keeping pets safe becomes more important than ever — and one simple five-second check could prevent painful burns and serious health risks for your dog.
Experts at award-winning pet insurance provider Insure Your Paws are warning owners to think carefully before heading out for walks during a heatwave.
The rule is simple: if you cannot comfortably keep the back of your hand on the pavement or patio for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
Hot surfaces can quickly cause painful burns, especially during the hottest part of the day, so owners are advised to avoid lunchtime walks and stick to early mornings or evenings when the ground has had time to cool.
Pets are also at risk of heat stroke because dogs and cats cannot cool themselves by sweating like humans. They rely mainly on panting, but when temperatures rise close to their body temperature, this becomes far less effective.
Flat-faced breeds, including Pugs and Persian cats, are particularly vulnerable because their shortened airways can make breathing and panting more difficult in hot weather.
Warning signs of heat stroke include:
- Heavy panting
- Restlessness
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of coordination
If these symptoms appear, move your pet somewhere cool, offer water and contact a vet immediately.
Owners should also make sure pets always have access to fresh water. For older or less mobile animals, bringing the bowl closer can help. Keeping windows open and using a small fan near an open window can also provide relief during stifling weather.
A parked car can become deadly even on a mild summer day. At just 22°C outside, the temperature inside a car can reach around 47°C within an hour. Conservatories and sunny garden areas can become equally dangerous, so pets should always have shade, ventilation and a cool place to retreat.
Warm weather also brings another problem — fleas and ticks. Parasites multiply quickly in heat, so keeping up with regular treatments can prevent discomfort for pets and expensive infestations for owners.
A few simple precautions can make the difference between a safe summer and a dangerous one for our four-legged companions.
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