New analysis reveals the daily ‘No-walkies windows’ dog owners should avoid as temperatures climb across the UK this week.
Dog owners are being warned to rethink their walking routines during the upcoming heatwave, as new analysis suggests some UK cities could be too hot for safe dog walks for up to 12 hours a day.
Pet health brand Pooch & Mutt has analysed Met Office forecast temperatures across major UK cities during the week commencing 22 June to calculate the daily ‘No-walkies window’ – the hours when temperatures are expected to hit 24°C or above, a level at which dogs can begin to struggle, particularly if they are puppies, flat-faced, overweight, senior, or have underlying health issues.
The analysis found that dogs in London could face the longest curfew, with temperatures expected to sit in the higher-risk walking zone for around 12 hours, from approximately 10am until 10pm on the hottest day of the week.
Other southern and eastern cities are also set to see extended no-walk windows, with Cambridge, Norwich and Birmingham facing around 9–11 hours where regular walks may be unsuitable, while temperatures in parts of the Midlands and South East are forecast to climb into the high twenties.
The UK cities facing the longest ‘No-walkies window’
| City | Forecast peak | Estimated hours at 24°C+ | Highest-risk 28°C+ window |
| London | 30°C | 12 hours | 5 hours |
| Cambridge | 29°C | 11 hours | 4 hours |
| Norwich | 29°C | 10 hours | 4 hours |
| Birmingham | 28°C | 9 hours | 2 hours |
| Nottingham | 28°C | 9 hours | 2 hours |
| Bristol | 27°C | 8 hours | Brief peak |
| Southampton | 27°C | 8 hours | Brief peak |
| Cardiff | 26°C | 7 hours | N/A |
| Manchester | 25°C | 6 hours | N/A |
| Leeds | 25°C | 6 hours | N/A |
| Liverpool | 24°C | 4 hours | N/A |
| Newcastle | 23°C | Brief peak | N/A |
The warning comes as many owners continue to rely on the old rule of avoiding midday walks, despite hot spells now leaving some cities too warm well into the evening.
Dr Linda Simon, resident vet at Pooch & Mutt, says:
“During a heatwave, a normal walk can quickly become dangerous for dogs. The mistake many owners make is assuming that if the sun has gone in, it must be safe. But pavements, roads and built-up areas can hold heat for hours, meaning an evening walk can still be risky.
“The no-walk window is about giving owners a simple, practical way to protect their pets. Dogs still need stimulation, but during extreme heat, swap walks for garden toilet breaks, indoor enrichment, sniffing games and shaded rest.
“As a rule, I would urge owners to avoid walking during the hottest part of the day altogether and to be especially careful once temperatures reach the mid-twenties. No dog will suffer from missing one walk, but heatstroke can become life-threatening very quickly.”
The signs of heatstroke every dog owner should know:
Pooch & Mutt is urging owners to act fast if their dog shows any signs of overheating, including:
- Heavy or excessive panting
- Drooling more than usual
- Lethargy, weakness, or wobbliness
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Confusion or collapse
Dr Linda Simon adds:
“If you think your dog is overheating, move them into shade or a cool room. Offer small amounts of water and pour cool, not ice-cold, water over the whole body (but not the head). You should contact a vet straight away, as heatstroke is an emergency.”
The ‘No-walkies window’ rule:
Pooch & Mutt is encouraging owners to follow a simple three-step rule during hot weather:
- Check the temperature
- Check the pavement
- Check your dog
If the air’s too warm, the pavement fails the hand test, or your dog’s already panting before you leave, skip the walk.
Photo by Rajesh S Balouria: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-walking-labrador-retriever-on-sunny-pathway-33739787/
