The UK is currently basking in the year's warmest weather, with temperatures predicted to reach a peak of 27C or 28C on Thursday, May 1, marking the hottest April weather in seven years.
In such balmy conditions, it's not just vulnerable people who need extra care. Pet owners must also keep a vigilant eye on their dogs, as intense heat can prove fatal for them.
Dogs are at risk of succumbing to lethal heatstroke within minutes when exposed to extreme temperatures - hence, they should not be taken out when the heat is excessive. However, this poses a problem as dogs require daily walks, and some breeds even need more than one walk.
VetsNow advises that it's safe to take your dog for a walk in temperatures up to 19C, provided they are well hydrated. But if the mercury rises above 20C, your dog could be at risk of heatstroke, which can prove deadly in just 15 minutes.
According to VetsNow, between 16-19C is generally safe for dogs, while between 20-23C carries a six out of 10 risk rating. The risk jumps to nine out of 10 between 24-27C, and hits the maximum 10 out of 10 when the temperature soars to 32C and above.
A useful tip to determine if it's too hot to walk your dog has been shared by online content creator David Freiheit (Viva Frei) on YouTube. He pointed out that "people don't appreciate how hot asphalt or pavements" can get during a heatwave and demonstrated a five-second test to check if the ground is "too hot to walk on".
Simply place the back of your hand on the pavement and "If you can keep it there for five seconds, it's not too hot," he suggested.
The same trick was also endorsed by a representative from The Moon Valley Canine Training center in Northern California: "Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog."
According to the RSPCA, symptoms include heavy panting, excessive drooling, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, collapsing, or vomiting.
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, Blue Cross advises moving them to a cool place immediately. Wet their coat with cool, but not freezing water, and allow the dog to drink small amounts of water.
Continue pouring cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not so much they start shivering, says the RSPCA.
As soon as the dog is cool, it's crucial to take them to the nearest vet immediately. VetsNow warns that when a dog shows signs of heatstroke, the damage is often already done, so immediate action is essential.
