This May, the UK just recorded its hottest May in nearly 80 years. More heatwaves are likely this summer. Is your dog ready?

During the late May Bank Holiday weekend, temperatures hit 35.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, breaking the UK's all-time May record. Many dog owners took advantage of the warm weather to go out with their dogs — unaware that danger was lurking beneath their paws.

The Met Office has confirmed that, due to long-term climate warming trends, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent — what was once considered a "once-in-a-century" phenomenon may now occur every 33 years. And this summer, the Met Office's three-month forecast shows that temperatures in June are likely to be above the seasonal average, with heatwave conditions likely to return at any time.

How hot is the ground at 30°C?

Dog paws are not as heat-resistant as you might think.

You might think "it's only 30°C." But ground temperature and air temperature are two very different things. According to veterinary data, when air temperature is 26°C, asphalt can reach 51°C. When air temperature is 31°C, ground temperature can hit 62°C.

What does 62°C feel like? The temperature of a freshly brewed cup of hot tea is about 60°C. And your dog steps on this kind of ground with every single stride.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) advises doing a 5-second hand test before heading out — if the ground is too hot for the back of your hand, "it is definitely too hot" for your dog's paws.

Summer 2026 "No-Go" Walking Times: 11am to 3pm

BVA President Dr Rob Williams issued a clear warning: "Every summer, vets across the country see a surge in dogs needing treatment for heatstroke, burnt paws, sunburn and breathing difficulties — and some of these dogs tragically do not survive."

Given the extreme temperatures already recorded in May 2026, the BVA and RSPCA are jointly urging dog owners to follow these guidelines:

The BVA stresses: "Even a short walk during the hottest part of the day can be fatal." On particularly hot days, you may need to wait until 11pm or midnight. If you really have to go out during the day, stick to grass, dirt paths, and shaded areas — avoid asphalt and concrete.

2026 UK Heatwave Recap: Just how hot has this summer been?

This May, multiple locations across the UK recorded record-breaking temperatures:

1、24 May: The UK exceeded 30°C for the first time in 2026 — the earliest this has happened since 1952

2、25 May: Kew Gardens in London recorded 32.3°C, making it the hottest May day in 80 years

3、26 May: Temperatures climbed further to 33-34°C, with Santon Downham in Suffolk becoming the first location to officially reach heatwave conditions

4、Late May: A total of 12 water-related deaths were recorded across the UK during the heatwave

While the late May heatwave has passed, the Met Office has made it clear that summer 2026 temperatures are likely to remain above average overall, and heatwave conditions could return at any time.

Which dogs are most at risk?

The BVA has identified the following breeds as needing extra protection during summer:

Flat-faced breeds (highest risk) : French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus. Even short exposure to hot outdoor conditions can send them to the emergency room.

Thick-coated breeds : Samoyeds, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, Labradors. Their double coats are built for cold, not heat.

Senior dogs (7+ years) : Their stamina declines and their ability to cool down is reduced.

In addition, overweight dogs, puppies, and large breeds are also in the high-risk category. A 2022 survey found that 51% of small-animal vets had seen heat-related cases during heatwaves, with dogs accounting for the largest share.

Pre-walk, mid-walk, and post-walk checklist

Before heading out

1、Do the 5-second hand test: If you can't hold it for 5 seconds, don't walk

2、Check that the outside temperature is below 27°C

3、If it's above 30°C, consider indoor activities (snuffle mats, puzzle toys)

During the walk

1、Offer water every 15-20 minutes

2、Monitor breathing rate: Normal is under 30 breaths per minute; over 50 is a danger sign

3、Watch for warning signals: tongue tilting to one side, stumbling, refusing to move forward

4、Prioritise grass, dirt paths, and shaded areas

After the walk

1、Wipe paws with a damp towel to cool them down

2、Provide plenty of fresh water

3、Watch for any unusual behaviour

Heatstroke signs: When to stop immediately

The RSPCA and BVA have listed the following warning signs of heatstroke:

1、Excessive panting and rapid breathing

2、Increased drooling (thick, sticky saliva)

3、Restlessness or abnormal behaviour

4、Gums that are bright red or very pale

5、Lack of coordination, stumbling

6、Weakness, lethargy, or collapse

7、Seizures, vomiting, or diarrhoea

If you spot any of these signs during a walk, move your dog to a cool, shaded area immediately, pour cool (not icy) water over their neck, armpits, and groin, use a fan to speed up cooling, and contact your vet straight away.

Your dog trusts you to keep them safe. Don't let that trust down on a hot pavement.

Summer 2026 is just beginning, and the Met Office has predicted more heatwaves to come. The 12 water-related deaths in May have already sounded the alarm.

The BVA's warning is not an overreaction: "During summer heatwaves, vets often see dogs that cannot be saved."

Before you take your dog out, ask yourself this: If you wouldn't walk barefoot on that pavement, why should they?

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References

1、Met Office three-month outlook, via HuffPost UK. June 2026

2、UK records hottest May in nearly 80 years, via Vietnam.vn / The Guardian. May 2026

3、BVA pet health warning ahead of Bank Holiday heatwave, via vetdata.co.uk. May 2026

4、UK heatwave claims 12 lives in water-related incidents, via Anadolu Ajansı. May 2026

5、BVA and RSPCA dog safety guidance, via Daily Record / The Mirror. May 2026

6、UKHSA amber heat-health alert, via British Red Cross. May 2026