Feel it Hot Hot Hot!

With temperatures rising and heatwaves expected, it's important to know 'how hot is too hot.' The answer might surprise you.

Even over 19 degrees, some breeds might suffer. And for anything over 23 degrees, precautions must be taken for all dogs. Just note how you adjust your own attire and behaviour for the heat yet dogs cannot. In short: walk very early and/or late, never exert your dog by throwing a ball or making him/her run alongside a bike, walk as much as possible in shade, carry/offer water throughout the walk and avoid artificial grass and pavements. And if you (or your dog walker) cannot do that, then don't walk your dog at all during a heatwave. No dog ever died from not being walked for a few days but thousands die each year from heatstroke.

And of course, never ever leave your dog in a hot car. Air conditioning (provided it makes its way throughout the car to where your dog may be sitting) is more effective for cooling down than opening all the windows for a breeze because a breeze is only effective for people who sweat!