A leading vet has issued an urgent warning to dog owners as temperatures climb across the UK, highlighting serious risks to pets.08:28, 27 May 2026With parts of the UK set to hit highs of 30C over the coming days, there's little question people will be descending on pub terraces and beer gardens in droves.Plenty of owners will be bringing their beloved dogs along to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the fine weather, but a leading vet has warned there are risks involved.Dr Anna Foreman, Everypaw Pet Insurance's in-house vet, has issued an urgent cancer warning to dog owners ahead of the sunny spell.As temperatures are set to soar, Dr Anna has cautioned against letting pets stay out in the sun for prolonged periods: "Dogs like to sunbathe for the same reasons we do - enjoying the warmth and bright light. It provides a relaxing sensation which promotes rest and wellbeing."[However], much like with us, dogs can suffer from sunburn and heatstroke if they are in the sun for an excessive period of time [so] should be limited to sunbathing for a maximum of 45 minutes to an hour when the sun is particularly intense (11am-3pm)."The vet adds: "Sunburned skin is painful in animals as it is in humans. More chronically and seriously, repeated sunburn can lead to cancerous changes. We particularly see this on the ear tips and noses of white animals, especially cats."Dr Anna has set out precisely how long dogs should be allowed to bask in the sun, while highlighting the dangers of excessive exposure — including heatstroke, sunburn and potentially cancerous changes. She has also pinpointed which animals face the greatest risk, and shared her expert guidance on keeping dogs safe during spells of intense sunshine, reports the Express.Does the sun offer any health benefits for dogs?Unlike humans, dogs are unable to absorb UVB rays through their skin, meaning they rely entirely on their diet for vitamin D. Sunlight does, however, help produce the hormones melatonin and serotonin — just as it does in people — and therefore exposure to the sun assists in regulating a dog's circadian rhythm, supporting both sleep patterns and overall mental wellbeing.How long should dogs be allowed in the sun?Much like humans, dogs can suffer sunburn and heatstroke if left outdoors in direct sunlight for extended periods. Dogs should be limited to sunbathing for no more than 45 minutes to an hour when the sun is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm).Dogs must always have access to shade (they naturally gravitate towards it when they become too hot), as well as a bowl of fresh water. They may also benefit from a clean, fresh water 'pool' or cooling mat to help them manage their body temperature.Dr Anna adds: "Dogs with breathing issues, such as brachycephalic breeds, or those suffering from respiratory disease, should not be allowed to lie in the sun at all, as the increase in body temperature and subsequent need to pant to cool down will put significant strain on already compromised airways."The vet further warns: "Dogs in general should not be exercised in the middle of the day in warm weather - instead the cooler early mornings (before 8am) or evenings (after 8pm) are far safer."Generally it is safe to walk your dog in temperatures under 20C, although dogs who are of a large or flat faced breed, or who are obese or suffering from other health conditions should always be kept a close eye on in any temperature."Even healthy, fit dogs that are vigorously exercised are at risk of heatstroke at temperatures as low as 20-23C. Extreme caution should be exercised when taking any animal out in temperatures exceeding 24C.Dr Anna advises: "Instead of a walk in the heat, consider setting up a paddling pool for your dog in the shade in the garden to play (monitored) in, or indoor games in a cool room such as puzzle feeders, lick-e-mats and games with soft toys. If it is too hot to exercise a dog all together, particularly over a longer period, then cutting down the quantity of food and treats given is a good way to prevent weight gain."What are the potential dangers of dogs being outside in the sun for too long?HeatstrokeIf a dog becomes too hot, it can suffer heat stroke, where the body's core temperature rises above 39.2C due to prolonged exposure to external heat. Certain breeds are far less capable of coping with the heat — particularly during exercise — than others.The vet explains: "Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are particularly prone to heat stroke and so extra care should be taken with these dogs in hot weather. Additionally, older dogs, as well as those with underlying health conditions, do not tolerate the heat as well as younger healthy ones."Dogs in general should not be exercised in the middle of the day in warm weather - instead the cooler early mornings or evenings are far safer."SunburnDogs with poorly pigmented skin or a thin coat are susceptible to sunburn and face an increased risk of developing skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma. Dogs, cats and other mammals with pink noses or ear tips are equally vulnerable."Sunburned skin is painful in animals as it is in humans. More chronically and seriously, repeated sunburn can lead to cancerous changes."Cancerous changesDr Anna cautions: "Cancers such as malignant squamous cell carcinoma can lead to ear flaps (pinnae) needing to be removed - they can be very locally invasive and tumours can end up being non-resectable if left for extended periods of time."Those on the nose are very difficult to remove in their entirety due to the tight skin and close association with the skull bone/cartilage."PavementsSizzling pavements present another significant danger to pets during warm weather. The vet recommends that if a pavement is too hot for you to hold the back of your hand against for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws.