'Grass test' warning issued to dog owners ahead of scorching heatwave

Dog owners have been issued an important warning as the UK is bracing for yet another sweltering heatwave.

Just weeks after sizzling temperatures sent some schoolchildren home, the nation is expected to face another few days of extreme weather - the third heatwave so far this year.

The heat is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday when temperatures will ‘widely exceed 30C’ across the UK, and some areas in England could hit 36C, according to the Met Office, who have issued amber heat-health alerts throughout the country.

And one group who need to be particularly careful when out about in the sunshine are dog owners, with vets urging them to do a ‘grass test’ to avoid an ‘overlooked risk’.

This essentially means to check the temperature of artificial grass before letting pets into the garden.

Speaking alongside artificial grass specialists Grass 247, Dr Linda Simon, Resident Vet at Pooch & Mutt, warned: “Owners need to be aware that artificial grass does not act like real grass, and can heat up quickly to much higher temperatures.”

A vet has issued an important warning to dog owners (Getty Stock Image)

Artificial grass may look convincing and realistic, so it’s important to identify it when on walks or visiting a new place, as well as knowing the risks if you have it in your own back garden.

She explained: “Due to this, it can pose a hazard to dogs, who can easily burn their paw pads.

“It is important to continually check the temperature of the grass, so lay your palm flat on it for five seconds. If this is uncomfortable, your dog should not be walking on it.

“While many are aware of the burn risk with concrete and patios, artificial grass is often an overlooked risk.”

It comes as the RSPCA is urging owners to implement a ‘dog lockdown’ due to the high temperatures that pose a serious threat to pets.

Soaring temperatures are expected in the UK this week (Getty Stock Image)

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, told WalesOnline: “Whenever temperatures rise we must think about the impact on our pets.

“While the recent extreme heat was tough for everyone, we must be careful not to become complacent as warmer temperatures return. Just because we’ve become accustomed to the higher temperatures, it doesn’t mean our pets are any less affected.”

She added: “We need to take extra precautions regardless of an official weather warning, which is why we’re still recommending a temporary ‘dog lockdown’ during this next bout of very hot weather- it’s the only way to beat the heat.”

The lockdown should include ‘skipping walks, not chasing a ball or playing fetch, or exposing dogs to energetic exercise’.

The expert advises that it’s much better for pooches to miss out on a few works than to suffer the consequences of heatstroke, which can be fatal.