Hot weather walking

[ScottishBlanket]

I’m sure this has been asked a lot of times before but just wanted to check if people think this is ok or not.
My dog refuses to poo in the garden, so I took him for a short (about 10 minutes) walk round the block at about 10.30 am today. I think it was about 22 degrees, I checked I could stand on the pavement barefoot for at least a minute in the sun (and on a metal man hole cover) and it didn’t feel too hot. I sprayed my dog with water before we left and we plodded slowly on short lead, sticking to the shade. I made sure he walked on the grass verges as much as possible and not on any metal man hole covers.
A woman stopped me and said it was too hot and he would burn his feet and get heat stroke. He wasn’t even panting until just before we got home and even then only slightly. He’s an 8 year old Labrador very healthy and not overweight at all.
I know you shouldn’t go for long walks/let them run around In the sun when it’s above about 20 degrees but are short pavement walks ok? I don’t see how it’s possible for them to burn their paws if you can stand barefoot comfortably on the ground like I could today. I know it’s going to be about 27 degrees on Wednesday so I will get up extra early and avoid going out at all then, but should I also avoid going on 10-15 minute round the block walks in general if it’s around 22 degrees plus? I’m worried he’ll be uncomfortable if his only opportunity to poo is very early morning and very late at night as he normally goes a couple of times at 10-11 and 4-6 pm.

Just agreeing 100% what the previous two posters said...

... and wondering why some people haven’t noticed that a dog’s pads aren’t the same, physiologically, as human skin.

I also need do a quick round the block and get some dirty looks but he won't pee or poo in the garden either

You may not think it's hot but dogs have died from heatstroke in this country at those temperatures
Dogs have died of being smothered in bed. Dogs have died being hit by cars even on the lead.

You can't stop living because an unknown dog, without even knowing all the circumstances, have died last year. You need to be sensible and take whatever precaution is reasonable for YOUR dog. I give my dog water every 10 mns or so when on a walk when it's a bit warmer. It's also been gradual going out as it gets a bit hotter each day, so it hasn't been a shock. Shorter walks, more importantly limited running.

I can't help but wonder how many of those sun warriors are those who don't have insurance for their own dog, or forget to give them regular worm tablets. Who overfeed them with treats etc...

I've seen dogs overheating through idiots walking them on hot days. All I do throughout summer is walk early on the morning and very late at night.

We're just back in from the morning walk, which was only 1/3 it's usual length and all on lead to prevent capering about. Fortunately it's only a few minutes on pavement to nearerst green space with trees.

I've moved the usual late morning walk to early/mid morning, cut its length and stick to the shade where possible. What's best is if I can find her dog friends and just hang out with them under a tree - actual walking is minimal but there's good sniffing and a bit of interaction.

The forecast is that it's going to be staying hot today (and probably humid, which is harder to withstand than dry heat) until well into the evening, and pavements are hotter the longer the sun has been in them. So I'm not sure what we'll do later on.

My dog often seems fine when we're out, then looks very hot and bothered once we're back, so I can't just go by how she seems during the walk. A cooling mat is due to arrive today, which I hope she'll like

@vivainsomnia I did know the dog and the circumstances. He was young and healthy and died from heatstroke at 9am on a summers morning.

Dogs won't die from a missed walk but they are at risk when they're taken out in high temperatures.

Oh and my dog is insured, flead and wormed and a healthy weight

So. If your child runs around in the sun, and gets hot and bothered, sensible parents get them a cold drink and make them sit in the shade for a while. They’re fine. Nobody is going to accuse you of incompetent parenting or child abuse.

I have artificial grass in my garden and it's like lava so I have no choice but to walk my dog for toileting
I check with the back of my hand
He hasnt been out yet today , I've been out if the house since 5.30am and only just got back
..I've touched the ground its burning so I dont quite know what I'm going to do to be honest.. this is the first day I've not been able to take the dog out since we've had the heat.. I'm .going out about 4pm again so hopefully I can do it before then

@FlemishHorse

So. If your child runs around in the sun, and gets hot and bothered, sensible parents get them a cold drink and make them sit in the shade for a while. They’re fine. Nobody is going to accuse you of incompetent parenting or child abuse.

Children (and people in general) can regulate their temperatures a lot easier than dogs can. I also think a parent who, for example, let their child get sunburnt because they refused to use cream would be called all sorts of names. See the thread on the grandma who let her toddler grandson burn in her care the other week.

Anyway, I haven't accused anyone of neglect or abuse but I have been called an idiot by PP for daring to suggest people should be careful in hot temperatures. I don't think there's anything controversial in that

@cupsofcoffee My comment wasn’t in reply to you, you have not said anything controversial IMO.

Of course a dog’s temperature regulation is different to humans, they don’t sweat through their skin and lose heat by evaporation like we do. They pant to lose heat . A dog that is panting on a walk is not being abused by being over exercised in hot weather.
(The problems with some brachycephallic types is a separate issue.)

Mine is older than yours, hates the heat but still fusses to go out (he gets 3 short walks a day, one of them longer if he wants). I give him a plod round the block after checking that the pavement isn’t too hot.

I agree @vivainsomnia, the hot pavement warriors are having a field day, and don’t want to believe that owners assess their individual dog’s needs and capabilities. I’m sure one of them will give me the lecture one day soon.

the hot pavement warriors are having a field day, and don’t want to believe that owners assess their individual dog’s needs and capabilities
The ‘hot pavement warriors’ are just worried for the dogs.
That’s no bad thing.
And tbh, the huge number of dogs still left in hot cars every.single.year and the huge number of dogs that do end up with burnt, blistered pads and/or sick with heatstroke would suggest that there is a huge percentage of people who dont correctly assess their dog’s needs and capabilities.

A lot depends on acclimatising your dog to the summer. Work them up to it gradually, make sure they're fit, give them opportunities to cool off and drink, and they should be fine.

Dogs in climates with extremes of temperature adjust. I know of dogs that deal with six inches of snow most of the winter and work in 30C heat in the summer.

As I said upthread, our old dog can't handle the heat any longer. Our younger dogs can. Watch your dog, and also watch how long it takes to recover. Mine who were panting when they got into the car after a walk (mad gallop) the other day were fine again five minutes later. A long recovery period may indicate that your dog isn't coping well.

the huge number of dogs that do end up with burnt, blistered pads

There is no evidence/data whatsoever about this. Just a small number of endlessly recycled tabloid news stories and Facebook posts.

That is true @TheDiddlyGang, there are plenty of irresponsible dog owners, though I don’t think it’s necessarily a huge percentage. But some people seem to think it is never ok to take a dog out on any hot day.

There is no evidence/data whatsoever about this. Just a small number of endlessly recycled tabloid news stories and Facebook posts
I know plenty, including myself!
My dog was younger then and very used to long distance, she is a working breed and from working lines and showed no sign of distress.
Until we got home.
It really is much easier than people think to burn their pads.

But some people seem to think it is never ok to take a dog out on any hot day
Reputable animal welfare groups/organisations like vets, RSPCA, Dog Trust, Battersea etc all advise walking dogs in hot temperatures, the definition of ‘hot’ varying slightly according to age, body condition and breed.

all advise AGAINST walking

I'm getting really tired of the hot pavement warriors who clearly get a quick from repeating the same mantra and telling off people who are deemed to not follow such mantra without even consider individual circumstances

Me too.

My dog comes to work with me - took her out for a wee yesterday - across the car park to a grassy area - when a random started shouting and accusing me of hurting my dog and wouldn’t listen to a word I said. We were out for less than 5 minutes and kept to the shade

I also got shouted once at for locking my dog in a hot car - while I was sitting in the car with her, with the doors and boot open.

I’m glad that there is much more awareness now and speaking to dog owners is no bad thing, but some people seem to take it too far and don’t take into account different circumstances and needs of the dog. Shrieking and shouting and not listening is not ok.

Mine goes for her big walks early and late. We go to the beach or the river so she can swim, or the woods where it’s shady and cool. She always has water available and we always keep some in the car. However, she has to pop out a couple of times for a wee and a poo. I’m careful, keep her in the shade where I can, but needs must.

@TheDiddlyGang
I know plenty, including myself!

Lifetime owner here of multiple dogs, knowing many other people with multiple dogs - never known a single incident of burnt or blistered paws.

Which is as equally valid “evidence” as your experience.

[quote FlemishHorse]@cupsofcoffee My comment wasn’t in reply to you, you have not said anything controversial IMO.

Of course a dog’s temperature regulation is different to humans, they don’t sweat through their skin and lose heat by evaporation like we do. They pant to lose heat . A dog that is panting on a walk is not being abused by being over exercised in hot weather.
(The problems with some brachycephallic types is a separate issue.)[/quote]
Ah okay, thanks for clarifying :)

Talking of brachycephalic dogs, there was a thread on here a couple of weeks ago (in Pets as opposed to the Doghouse) where a lady had been running with her brachy dog - she posted a photo of said dog mid-run and was totally oblivious to the distress her dog was in. She just thought it was unfit.

I think, sadly, there is a fairly sizeable chunk of dog owners who really have no idea about some of the dangers out there.

This is great chart to help!

And what you are doing now is absolutely fine.

I've seen dogs overheating through idiots walking them on hot days
Really? How did you base this assessment? I thought only a vet, with the equipment to check heart rate at least could confirm that a dog was overheating. Or are one of those who think that a dog panting is a dog in distress?

He was young and healthy and died from heatstroke at 9am on a summers morning
Was it your dog? Did you know if they had medical issues, maybe a heart murmur or something else? Surely it is as at 9am, it was the heat, or it not alone that sadly affected the dog?

I think, sadly, there is a fairly sizeable chunk of dog owners who really have no idea about some of the dangers out there
There are indeed, sadly, some dog owners who lack understanding and awareness. There are also sadly too many who think they know everything from informing themselves through social media, and think that gives them a right to judge other owners, many who will actually be better educated to the welfare of animals than them.

Reputable animal welfare groups/organisations like vets, RSPCA, Dog Trust, Battersea etc all advise walking dogs in hot temperatures, the definition of ‘hot’ varying slightly according to age, body condition and breed
And that of course is correct. What isn't is how people choose to interpret the definition to suit their mission.

Hot is indeed open to interpretation, and will depend on a number of factors, including amount of shade on the walk, whether there is a cool breeze or not, whether the walk is on asphalt or grass etc... You then add the age, health condition and breed, and very few people are in position to judge whether a particular dog is at risk, certainly in the UK.

22? I'm Aussie but surely 22 isn't hot anywhere except maybe approaching the Arctic circle?!

Agree, I'm in Scotland and 22c wouldn't even register. My dog wound pant only in the normal circumstances after running around at this temp. If you can stand on the road in bare feet then certainly your dogs tough pads will be fine. Obviously people know there own dogs and hairier, older or brachy breeds might need different considerations to my young fit dog