Public asked not to walk there dogs on Hot Surfaces due to extreme temperatures
Irish weather News
While us humans can give clear indications if we feel too hot, dehydrated or if we are walking on a hot surface, for animals it isn't so simple.
Each year, dogs are left in hot cars, are injured by walking on hot surfaces or simply suffer with heatstroke because owners haven't known what signs to look out for.
Knowing what time of day to walk your dog, as well as how to care for injured paws, is just one way you can pamper your pooch this summer.
Luckily there is plenty of advice from the RSPCA and other organisations, to help you on your way.
What can happen to your dog if they walk on a hot surface?
Dogs can burn their feet, or paws, on surfaces which have been heated by the sun.
Surfaces like concrete, pavements, metals and even sand can become scorching hot during the summer months, which can make walking your dog tricky if, say, you have to travel on foot to your nearest field or dog-walking area.
If you're not careful, you could find that your four-legged friend is left with nasty burns on their paws if you choose to walk them during the hottest parts of the day.
Keeping an eye on your dog's behaviour is probably the first step to ensuring you're not taking them on a walk that will end with such injuries.
At present road surface temperatures are between 39C to 55C across Ireland today with extreme temperatures nationwide.
Latest Surface Temperatures
Things to look out for include your dog hopping between feet (indicating the surface they are on is too hot for them to handle) while another could see them pull you away from the hot surface and refuse to go any further.
If this happens, it's best to find an alternative route on cool grass, shade or even pick them up and carry them to a more comfortable spot.
They could also begin licking or chewing their feet and if, when you examine their pads, they appear red, blistered, darker in colour or parts are missing, then these are all sure signs of damaged paws and you should seek veterinary treatment immediately.
Be sure to always assess the surface you plan to walk your pet on before you venture out with them. The RSPCA recommends touching the ground with your hand for five seconds - if it's too hot for you then it's too hot for paws.
Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It’s generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C dogs are at risk of heat stroke.
Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever. It occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at a comfortable level. Check out our handy infographic below to know when it’s safe for your dog outside.