Mad dogs ………….

 I joked yesterday that I was going to write a blog about climate change given as how we are about to be hit by the hottest weather since forever but I actually know nothing about it , I’m not scientifically minded , I know when it’s hot and I know when it’s cold and that’s enough for me ! 

What I do know is that my dogs don’t like the hot weather , they are restless , can’t get comfortable and just generally can’t be bothered when the temperature gets to a certain point , being short nosed dogs they are unable to get enough cool air into their nostrils and that makes them vulnerable to heatstroke 

And that brings me to the point of this blog (about time you say ?) 

There are still people around who think it’s okay to take their dogs out for walks when it’s this hot , dragging them round the parks or the streets as they pant , trying to keep a little bit cool 

And the people who take their dogs everywhere (she doesn’t like to be apart from me) but then leave them in the car while they ‘just pop to the shops , I’ll only be a minute’

What is actually going through these peoples minds , have they got a brain ? Walking on hot pavement with bare paws is torture for a dog and can cause blistering and burns on the pads of the feet , exercise in hot weather can lead to collapse and death and leaving a dog in a car in this weather is criminal , it’s basically boiling your dog from the inside 

A slightly opened window does not make it okay , except it may make it slightly easier for a concerned passer by to break into your car and free your poor hound 

I know it’s not always possible to take your dog out in the early hours or extra late at night but to be honest it’s not going to be much cooler then so here’s an idea ……..why not skip the walk completely!! Your dog will not suffer from missing a days walk , even 2 or 3 days and you are doing the right thing in terms of their wellbeing 

So just be careful , be sensible and if I see you walking your dog in the heat or leaving it in the car , you’re going to learn a few new swear words and I won’t be at all apologetic xx