Liverpool is set for what could be the hottest day ever recorded in the region as an ‘extreme’ weather warning has been issued for Merseyside. The amber weather alert covering the region comes amid an unprecedented red weather warning for parts of the UK, with forecasters warning of a ‘threat to life’.
This week, Liverpool is set to reach highs of 38C on Thursday, June 25, with temperatures predicted to reach 34C on Wednesday, June 24. According to the Met Office, Thursday is expected to be the warmest day of the week, and the amber weather warning is in force for 48 hours from midnight on Wednesday to Thursday 11:59pm.
Liverpool last saw heat like this in July 2022, where temperatures soared to 36C.
While many within the community will be enjoying the sun at beaches and parks across Merseyside, experts are urging pet owners to think twice before taking their dogs out during the hottest parts of the day.
Trotters Dog Walking and Training group suggest dog owners consider taking their pets to “woodland areas as temperatures are a lot cooler than it would be in an open field or park.”
One of the biggest concerns is hot pavement and tarmac. When air temperatures hit around 25C weather, tarmac can heat more than 50C.
With this week’s forecast, surfaces could become hot enough to burn a dog’s paws very quickly.
Veterinary professionals recommend the “seven second test” to determine whether a surface is safe fir digs to walk on. If a person cannot comfortably place the back of their hand on a pavement and hold for 5-7 seconds, it is likely too warm for dogs.
Dog owners are being encouraged to walk their dogs either early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are not at their highest.
A spokesman from the Trotters Dog Walking group said: “Make sure they are in shade, have plenty of water and take them out when temperatures are cooler.”
He added: “During a heatwave, the best times to walk a dog are around 7am and then 9pm or 10pm, when the heat has started to ease.”
Heat exhaustion can develop rapidly in dogs, especially in older and overweight ones.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion in dogs?
- Heavy breathing
- Panting
- Extended tongue
- Drooling
The spokesperson said: “There is no point gambling taking your dog on a walk just for the sake of taking your dog on a walk.”
If a dog shows signs of overheating, owners are advised to, “get a cold damp towel, avoid using excessive amounts of water and cool them down slowly.”
As Liverpool prepares for another spell of extreme summer weather, dog owners are being reminded that a simple change to walking times or scenery could prevent harmful injuries to their pets.
Written by Lucy Armour.
