Pet owners up and down the country will be wondering when is best to take their dog for a walk in the heatwave - and there's a simple five-second test which will give you the answer10:59, 24 Jun 2026Temperatures in the UK could rise to a brain-melting 39C today (Wednesday, July 24) while highs of 37C are extremely likely as the intense heatwave continues.‌A rare red alert is in place in London, parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales, and eastern and southern England, with the Met Office danger to life weather warning set to last until late tomorrow evening.‌It's not just humans who are suffering in these scorching conditions. Spare a thought for the nation's dogs as well, who are desperately trying to stay cool in the face of an excruciating heatwave.‌They still need to go for a walk, and experts advise taking them out either very early in the morning or very late in the evening to avoid the worst of the heat.Thankfully, there is one simple five-second trick which allows owners to gauge whether conditions are walkable.‌Dr Angela Jones, vet and co-founder of the pet prescription service Petscribers, says dogs paws can burn, but there's an easy method to see if the pavement is too hot for them.Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said: "If you can't comfortably hold the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog to walk on. Artificial grass, sand and decking can become extremely hot."Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Most dogs will benefit from shorter, lower-intensity walks during hot weather."‌She advised that some dogs, such as flat-faced breeds, might be safest skipping their walk if the conditions won't allow it.Dr Jones also recommends keeping fresh water constantly available for your pooch, and even suggests adding ice to keep it cold. Paddling pools can also help regulate their body temperature.Other advice includes never leaving your dog unattended in a parked car. And if you suspect they have heatstroke, move them to a cool, ventilated area, soak their body with cold or cool water, offer them water, and if none of those improve the situation, contact your vet.‌It comes as Brits were given advice on the best times to open and close their windows during the heatwave.According to specialists, that very much depends on how the outside temperature compares to the conditions inside your home.‌The experts at SCI Windows say: "There is lots of advice available on the internet, but the general rule is: open the windows if house temperature is greater than outside temperature. Otherwise keep them closed to keep the cool air inside, as long as possible."They suggest keeping the windows open at night when feasible and also first thing in the morning, before the temperature starts to rise again.Alan Reid, windows specialist at Art Windows and Doors, informed the Manchester Evening News that households should begin opening their windows at 8pm when outdoor temperatures begin to fall.Article continues belowUK housebuilder and Ty Eco owner John Small believes windows ought to be closed around 9am in the morning when temperatures begin climbing again, according to Border Counties Advertiser.