Temperature Extremes and Dog Walking: A Safety Guide

If there is one thing about Britain that is unpredictable, it’s the weather. Ask any dog walker, the weather can drastically change even within the course of a stroll around the block. 

Dogs are hardy animals, who will often keep walking and wagging their tail whatever the weather, showing unwavering loyalty to their owner wherever they are taken. 

That being said, there are temperature extremes that present dangerous situations for dogs. In these extreme circumstances, your pooch might just try to soldier on without making a fuss, but this could risk damaging their health. 

Here is a comprehensive guide of what you should do to keep your dog safe when it comes to walking during an extreme temperature hit. It is also worth considering top grooming tips throughout each varying season, something you can read more about here. 
 

The risks to dogs in hot weather

Dogs typically do not handle hot weather particularly well. They can’t sweat through their skin like we can, although they can sweat through their paws. 

Instead, they rely upon panting to help cool themselves down. Panting is more inefficient compared to sweating to help regulate their core temperature, especially in humid conditions. 

Dogs with either thick or double coats are particularly prone to overheating. 

Heat related illnesses, such as heatstroke, pose a serious threat to dogs. Don’t be fooled into thinking overheating in dogs is only an issue in extreme heat, a recent study mentioned by Dogs Trust found that a significant number of dogs overheat even when the temperature wasn’t above 16.9 degrees Celsius.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs

• Excessive drooling
• Heavy breathing / panting or difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• The dog has collapsed
• Lethargic, drowsy behaviour

When is it too hot to walk your dog?

The RSPCA recommends a “5 second test” - that is to place the palm of your hand onto the tarmac. If it is too hot to hold your hand on the tarmac for 5 seconds, it is too hot to walk your dog!

There are also a few things you can look out for to check the hot floor is not injuring or burning the paw pads of your pooch, including:

• If your dog is limping or refusing to walk
• If they are licking or chewing at their feet
• If their pads appear darker in colour
• They might have blisters or redness on their pads
• If parts of their pads appear to be missing

How to care for your dog in hot weather

It is imperative that you provide round-the-clock access to shade, both when inside and outside. 

The dog must always have access to clean, fresh drinking water. 

Regularly check that the water is still fresh and a nice temperature for the dog. 

If you need to cool your dog down, consider using frozen toys and treats, as well as paddling pools and hoses. These will help to cool your dog down, whilst keeping them entertained and happy. 

Regularly grooming your dog will help to ensure their coat is free from knots and matting, which can cause extra discomfort, especially in hot weather.

You should never leave your dog alone in a car, even just for a few minutes. Dogs can die in hot environments.

Use doggy sun cream on any parts of your pooch that are exposed, such as their nose. This is especially important for light coloured dogs, which are more vulnerable to getting burnt. 

Dogs like to lie on damp blankets and towels. Don’t wrap a damp towel around the dog, this can actually trap heat in on the dog.

Keeping your dog safe in the cold weather

As we are all familiar with, the UK has both extremes… sizzling heat and the freezing cold!

Shorter-haired breeds are especially vulnerable to the cold. If you are considering putting a coat or jacket on your dog, be aware that they might need some gentle introduction to wearing one, as it might seem alien to them. Other dogs might love their new jacket straightaway!
If your dog naturally has a longer-coat, let it grow out longer than during the summer months. 

If your dog doesn’t want to walk in the cold, provide stimulation and enrichment inside as much as possible. Hide and seek with their favourite toy can give them a fun game to play and as a way to expel a bit of energy. 

If it is snowing or the ground is covered with ice, you should keep your dog on a lead and stick to known pathways. This is because the snow can cover areas that aren’t safe to walk over. Similarly, never let a dog run over frozen lakes or bodies of water, you don’t know how strong the ice is. 

Make sure to wipe the paws and fur of your dog after a walk in the winter. This is because many roads and pathways will have been gritted, which if left on your dog could cause irritation or infections. 

If you are walking in the early morning or late at night, the darkness stays later and sets in earlier. Find a way to ensure both you and your dog are visible to others, especially car drivers. You can buy light-up collars, that are both a stylish addition and will help to keep your dog safe in darker conditions.

When is it too cold to walk your dog?

Every dog will be different with their attitude towards and ability to cope with cold weather. 
Young puppies, small dogs, elderly dogs and those with health conditions are more likely to struggle in the colder weather. 

If the temperature is less than -5 degrees celsius, stay inside and keep your dog nice and warm. Some dogs will start to experience discomfort at +5 degrees celsius, so make sure to be wary of your own dog's tolerance to the colder weather. 

Consider putting a jacket on the dog, shortening the walk or staying inside with suitable alternatives for stimulation and exercise.

We hope you have found this post informative - if you have any further questions relating to walking your dog in either a hot or cold climate please do not hesitate to contact us and our team will advise you as best as they can. 

Here at Paws Grooming Empire, you can book any of our services at our North London salon including dog walking ,  dog grooming and doggy day care  all year round. We know how to keep your dog happy and safe whatever the weather.