Recent reports from north-eastern Ethiopia describe camel owners watching their animals struggle through extreme temperatures.
When even camels are struggling with the heat, it’s time for all of us to rethink how we care for our dogs.
If animals built for desert climates are finding the heat challenging, it’s a timely reminder that our dogs can be affected far more quickly.
During hot days we keep the lights on, tend to all of dogs and still operate a full, but slightly tailored service. Here’s our secret…
At The Animal Days, we don’t believe the answer is simply cancelling every walk.
Many dogs still need exercise, toilet breaks and companionship. Likewise, professional dog walkers still have businesses to run and customers relying on them.
Instead, we believe in adapting.
Okay, the UK isn’t used to prolonged periods of high temperatures, but every summer brings the same question for professional dog walkers:
Our Heatwave Plan
Whenever temperatures rise, we temporarily adjust our working day to prioritise everyone’s wellbeing.
Earlier Starts
Where operationally possible, our walking teams begin from 8:00am instead of 9:00am.
This allows us to complete the majority of our walks before the hottest part of the day, while still providing the service our clients rely on.
Smarter Routes
Rather than following our usual routes, we adapt.
We prioritise:
> Woodland walks
> Shaded footpaths
> Coastal routes where appropriate
> Areas with access to fresh water
> Grass instead of hot pavements
Sometimes a slightly shorter walk in a cool woodland provides far more enrichment than a longer walk in direct sunshine.
Hydration Comes First
Every vehicle carries fresh drinking water along with bowls for the dogs.
Water is offered regularly throughout the day, and if owners aren’t home when we return their dog, we’ll happily top up their water bowl before leaving.
Monitoring Every Dog
Every dog copes with heat differently.
Throughout every walk we’re monitoring for signs of:
* Excessive panting
* Slowing down
* Reluctance to continue
* Bright red gums
* Excessive drooling
* Disorientation
If we have any concerns whatsoever, we’ll stop the walk immediately, contact their Vet for advice AND update the owner immediately.
Naturally try and reduce the environment temp that the dog is in gradually i.e. an air conditioned van, with access to a water bowl.
And remember if you are panicking - this WILL stress the dog out more.
Supporting Our Team
Looking after dogs starts with looking after the people caring for them.
Our walking team is encouraged to:
Carry plenty of water.
Take regular hydration breaks.
Wear suitable clothing
Take their lunch break as normal.
Speak up immediately if they have concerns about a dog or their own wellbeing.
A tired, overheated dog walker can’t provide the level of care every dog deserves. There may occasionally be days where walking simply isn’t the safest option
For many dogs, mental stimulation, enrichment games and companionship can be just as valuable as physical exercise during extreme weather.
We might not take the dog for their typical length of walk, but we’ll make sure they’ve had mental stimulation, a good stretch and sniff.
Advice for Fellow Dog Walkers
If you’re another professional dog walker reading this, here’s our advice:
Don’t feel pressured to operate exactly as you would on a normal day.
Your clients would much rather you make sensible adjustments than risk a dog suffering from heat exhaustion.
Consider our summer routine below and see if it can help you keep the lights on.
Starting earlier
Adjusting routes
Walking smaller groups
Choosing shade over distance
Carrying more water than you think you’ll need
Communicating openly with your clients
Professional dog walking isn’t about completing the longest walk possible, it’s about showing you all the time, being there for your client and your friend, their pet. You can walk a dog and making a safe decision for every dog in your care.
At the end of the day, you’d much rather slightly alter your schedule than put a dog’s needs to one side. And, yes it’s important to look after yourself (and / or your team) - risks are unnecessary. So start early, keep it shaded or wet, and reduce your walks.
Stay safe, stay hydrated.
Jessie - at TAD 🐾
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