It comes as the UK braces for a bank holiday heatwave with temperatures forecast to hit 33C09:46, 22 May 2026Updated 09:46, 22 May 2026Dog owners are being advised to steer clear of walking their pets at particular times of day over the coming days as 33C heat is predicted to arrive in the UK. According to the Met Office, the bank holiday weekend will bring an extraordinary period of warmth for May, with a significant heatwave anticipated and temperatures reaching 33C expected in certain areas of the country.‌It is widely recognised that dogs find it difficult to manage very high temperatures, as they can become dehydrated and overheated rapidly. Research demonstrates that dogs are 10 times more prone to experiencing heat-related ailments from exercising in hot weather than from overheating in vehicles.‌Dogs love going for walks, but elevated temperatures can turn their beloved activity into a dangerous one. Dogs regulate their temperature by panting, can only perspire through their paws, and are extremely vulnerable to heatstroke, a severe condition that can prove fatal.‌Knowing when it's too warm to venture outside can help protect your four-legged friend from overheating. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the Royal Kennel Club (RKC) have extensive guidance on their websites regarding what to do when hot weather arrives, reports the Liverpool Echo.As a general guideline, RSPCA England and Wales advises that if the ground is too hot to touch with your hand for five seconds, it's too hot for paws. Tarmac, pavements and sand can become blistering in the sunshine, inflicting painful burns to your dog's paws.‌The RSPCA has previously cautioned dog owners: "No dog ever died from missing one walk. If the pavement is too hot for your hand for five seconds, it's definitely too hot for paws. During the heatwave, stick to walks at dusk and dawn to avoid burnt paw pads and heatstroke, and if in doubt, don't go out." Look out for:limping or refusing to walklicking or chewing at their feetpads darker in colourmissing part of padblisters or rednessWhat is the 8am to 8pm dog walking rule during hot weather?To help keep dogs cool and protected, the RSPCA advises walking them first thing in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are lower. The RKC also supports this guidance and proposes following an 8am to 8pm rule.‌It states: "Stick to early mornings before 8am or late evenings after 8pm when the air and ground are cooler." Additional guidance reads: "Walking your dog in 25C weather can be risky, so it's essential to take extra precautions."If you must walk them, keep the outing short and choose cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Avoid direct sunlight by sticking to shaded paths or areas with plenty of tree cover. Hot pavements can burn your dog's sensitive paw pads, so test the surface with your hand or bare feet first-if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for them."‌How hot is it going to be this bank holiday weekend?Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher stated: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32C on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33C recorded in southern England and the Midlands."He added: "It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK."Article continues belowTo keep dogs cool, the RSPCA recommends putting ice cubes into your dog's water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats. You could also freeze a Kong toy full of treats and water.Give your pet damp towels to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Never place a damp towel over your dog, as this can trap in heat.