How to tell if it's too hot to take your dog for a walk

The summer took a while to get going, but boy has it arrived. With the heatwave sweeping the UK and temperatures set to reach 37 degrees celsius this week, it's time to start planning trips to the best rooftop bars and going for nice evening walks to make the most of the sun.

But before you take your pet pooch out for a stroll you'll need to make sure it's safe to do so. The hot ground can really burn a dog's paws so you have to think twice before you decide to pound the pavements with your pup.

Luckily, there's a really easy way to tell if it's too hot to take your canine for a walk during the summer.

Dog's Trust suggest that you press your hand on a section of the pavement that has been in the sun and keep it there for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you to hold, then it's too hot for your doggo's sensitive little paws.

They also offer advice on how to care for your pet while it's heating up. If you do take your dog out, do so in the early morning or late evening when it has cooled down and make sure there is water available to keep your dog hydrated wherever you're heading to. Also ensure that they have access to shade and never leave your dog in the car - even for just a few minutes.

You can also use dog-friendly sun cream to stop them from getting sunburnt, the site advises.

So you can let your pooch enjoy the sunshine - just be sure to keep them safe and follow this advice.