A dog’s blistered and sore paw has revealed the shocking impact the hottest day of the year has on our four-legged friends.
Animal welfare activists have urged pet owners to take extra care of their dogs when taking them on walks as pavements can reach temperatures of over 60C.
A Twitter user, who posted the devastating image, wrote: ‘Before you take your dog for a walk in hot weather, take off your shoes and socks and stand on the pavement.
‘If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.’
The RSPCA said: ‘Dogs need exercise, even when it’s hot. We recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when they will not burn its paws on the pavement or be at increased risk of heatstroke.
‘If the pavement is too hot for your hand it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.’
The charity told dog owners to look out for signs of burned pads, including limping or refusing to walk, licking or chewing at the feet, pads darker in colour and missing part of pad as well as blisters or redness.
An amber ‘heat health watch’ warning has been issued for parts of England, which is one step away from national emergency.
And Monday was officially the hottest day of the year so far with a record 33.3C recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk.
The Met Office confirmed that the sweltering heatwave is set to continue.
Top tips for keeping your dog cool in the hot weather
Keep dogs indoors
Unlike humans, dogs can cool themselves only by panting and sweating through their paw pads.
Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress or permanent physical harm and even be fatal.
Keeping them in a well-ventilated home is the best option on a hot summer day.
Make sure your animal has access to fresh drinking water and shade
If animals must be left outside, they should be given plenty of water and have constant access to shade, with the shifting sun taken into account.
Even brief periods of direct exposure to the sun can have life-threatening consequences.
Walk, don’t run
In very hot, humid weather, never exercise dogs by cycling and making them run alongside the bike.
Dogs will collapse before giving up, at which point it may be too late to save them.
It’s however important to remember that dogs need exercise, even when it’s hot, with experts advising walking in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.
But, when walking dogs, keep in mind that pavements can get very hot in warm weather. If it’s too hot to touch with your hand, then it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.
Swimming is also excellent exercise for your dog.
Never leave an animal in a parked car in warm weather, even for short periods with the windows slightly open.
A dog trapped inside a parked car can succumb to heatstroke within minutes – even when the car isn’t parked in direct sunlight.
On a 26C day the temperatures inside a shaded car is 32C, and the inside of a vehicle parked in the sun can reach 70C.
A dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke – such as restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy or lack of coordination – should be taken to a shady spot immediately.
Don’t let your pet get sunburnt
Just like people who get too much sun, dogs also get sunburnt. Use pet-friendly sunscreen on exposed areas, including nose, ears and tummy.
Pets with delicate skin should be covered up, just like humans.
And don’t forget to groom your dog in the summer months.
Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture
Just like people, dogs will benefit from a cold treat in the sun, but never give your dog ice cream as they can’t digest lactose properly.
Instead, make an ice lolly from pet-friendly ingredients.
Damp towels or a frozen dog bowl, could provide a welcome relief from the heat.