23/05/2026
When temperatures rise, your dog’s safety comes first.
For welfare and safety, walks may be shortened, moved earlier or later in the day, swapped for enrichment visits, sniffy decompression sessions, or cancelled during warmer weather.
Decisions are based on temperature, humidity, shade availability, travel conditions, and the individual dog’s needs.
For owners:
Sniffy decompression walks are generally safer than high-intensity activities such as ball throwing, repetitive running, structured heelwork, arousal and physical exertion increase body temperature more quickly.
It is also important to remember that shaded woodland can still feel humid and stagnant, reducing a dog’s ability to cool themselves effectively.
Dogs who are already stressed, anxious, reactive, or highly aroused may overheat faster due to the additional physiological effects of stress on the body.
Safe transport is equally important during warmer weather, and careful attention is given to ventilation, airflow, air con may not reach boot of the car very well, and recovery time between walks.
Our morning outings have been making use of chilling in the shade with the company of others.
