A vet has warned people in key areas across the UK to follow a 'no walkies window' on Wednesday, June 2412:11, 24 Jun 2026Veterinary experts are urging owners in key areas across the UK to follow a ‘no-walkies window’ rule today and across any other hot days this summer. The experts from Pooch and Mutt analysed Met Office data, which reveals the hours dog owners should avoid walks today, Wednesday, June 24.‌Now, owners are being advised to plan walks carefully as new analysis indicates some cities could remain high-risk dog-walking zones for nearly the entire day. The pet health brand looked at the hours when air temperatures are forecast to hit 24C or above, a level at which dogs can begin to struggle. This is particularly important if they are puppies, flat-faced, overweight, senior, thick-coated, or have underlying health issues.‌The analysis found that dogs in London face the longest ‘no-walkies window’ today, with Met Office hourly temperatures sitting at 24C or above for around 17 hours. Other cities are also set to see extended caution windows, with Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff facing around 16 hours at or above 24C, while Birmingham is forecast to see around 15 hours in the caution zone.‌'No-walkies window' rulePooch & Mutt is encouraging owners to follow a simple three-step rule during hot weather. Check the temperature, check the pavement and check your dog. If the air is too warm, the pavement is too hot to pass the hand test, or your dog is already panting before you set off, it’s best to skip the walk.UK cities facing the longest 'no-walkies window' today (7am - 11pm)The findings show that dog owners should not rely on the traditional rule of simply avoiding midday walks. Met Office forecasts suggest some cities will remain warm well into the evening and overnight.‌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.”‌What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?Pooch & Mutt is urging owners to act fast if their dog shows any signs of overheating, including:Heavy or excessive pantingDrooling more than usualLethargy, weakness, or wobblinessBright red or very pale gumsVomiting or diarrhoeaConfusion or collapse‌Dr 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.”Daily peak temperatures were taken from Met Office city forecast pages. The ‘no walkies window’ was calculated by reviewing Met Office hourly temperature forecasts and counting the number of forecast hours where air temperatures were expected to sit at 24C or above.This threshold was selected as the point at which dog owners should begin taking extra care, particularly with puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds, thick-coated breeds and dogs with heart or breathing conditions. A secondary “highest-risk” window was calculated by counting forecast hours at 28C or above.Article continues belowThe figures are intended as a guide for dog owners and should be used alongside local weather updates, pavement temperature checks, and veterinary advice. Individual risk varies depending on breed, age, weight, coat type, fitness, and health.