Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

People are really mad about dogs and heat stroke?

260 replies

Brayndrayn · 30/06/2025 21:37

In Italy there are dogs out in the midday sun with no shade with their owners for bloody hours. Personally I walk my dogs very early in this heat but it is kicking OFF on the local FB page about dogs being out today. People shouting at those with dogs as they go past in a car etc. Nobody knows others’ circumstances or where they are going or for what reason. Yes I know about paws on hot pavements but by Christ those pavements/sand in Italy were boiling and the dogs didn’t seem to care. My dogs also ran out of the house onto my patio and wanted to stay there this afternoon. I’m not saying there is no risk but this country loses the plot over dogs to point of being really very rude to other people about it. Realise I’m probably going to get flamed…

OP posts:
Thread gallery
5
ComtesseDeSpair · 30/06/2025 22:02

I think the vehemence some people show around this is OTT. Lengthily walking your dog in the heat of the sun, obviously to be avoided. But my parents have been too afraid to take their dog (who won’t toilet in their garden or on the street) a few hundred metres up the road to the park since somebody accosted them angrily last year to berate them for having their dog out. Not good for poor dog.

Divebar2021 · 30/06/2025 22:02

I’ve only had a dog for 18 months so I’m not incredibly experienced. What do you consider a good cut off temperature? We went out at 08.30 and it was about 20 degrees. Went to the local park and I kept her under the trees for 70% of the time and did not do tons of running off lead. We took water with us which she drank and we were back by 09.30. Does that sound reasonable. ( she’s a 3 year old mutt)

Original poster
Brayndrayn · 30/06/2025 21:59

WhereIsMyJumper · 30/06/2025 21:55

I think like many things, there needs to be a balance here. It’s been over 30 degrees here today and I wouldn’t take my dog out in that. I’ve been desperately trying to keep him confined largely to the coolest room in the house but the fucker keeps getting the zoomies 😂

I think when it’s this hot, it really needs to be avoided at all costs. But I have seen people reacting just as badly to dogs out in 20 degree heat as well.

Yes! There’s a poster flying around saying even at 20 degrees there’s a risk of heatstroke. 🙄

OP posts:
crumblingschools · 30/06/2025 21:59

Surely what you are used to makes a difference. Dogs will be acclimatised to heat in hotter countries

Original poster
Brayndrayn · 30/06/2025 21:58

mydogisthebest · 30/06/2025 21:51

Well, obviously, dogs who live in hot countries are used to the heat. Dogs in the UK are not.

I have a friend who is a veterinary nurse and every year sees far too many dogs with heatstroke. Sadly some of them die. All the deaths and heatstroke could be avoided if dog owners used their brains.

NO dog died because it didn't get a walk but far too many dogs do die because they were walked by idiots when it was too hot

Sure - but it is getting pretty warm here each summer now so I do think we have to accept some acclimatisation

OP posts:
skippersy · 30/06/2025 21:56

It's one of those things people love to get on their high horse about.

WhereIsMyJumper · 30/06/2025 21:55

I think like many things, there needs to be a balance here. It’s been over 30 degrees here today and I wouldn’t take my dog out in that. I’ve been desperately trying to keep him confined largely to the coolest room in the house but the fucker keeps getting the zoomies 😂

I think when it’s this hot, it really needs to be avoided at all costs. But I have seen people reacting just as badly to dogs out in 20 degree heat as well.

Cabinetbat23 · 30/06/2025 21:53

Not the point but am I in the only place in the country where it is not fucking boiling?

mydogisthebest · 30/06/2025 21:51

Well, obviously, dogs who live in hot countries are used to the heat. Dogs in the UK are not.

I have a friend who is a veterinary nurse and every year sees far too many dogs with heatstroke. Sadly some of them die. All the deaths and heatstroke could be avoided if dog owners used their brains.

NO dog died because it didn't get a walk but far too many dogs do die because they were walked by idiots when it was too hot

whynotmereally · 30/06/2025 21:43

My friends dog died after over heating. She was only three.

There’s lots of factors - type/size of dog/ where you are walking/ how long. But personally I wouldn’t risk it