Latest news with #dogwalking
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
'Dog owners should take off their shoes and walk on a hot surface all day'
THERE should be a ban on walking dogs in hot weather. I see people walking their dogs when it's 27 degrees Celsius or higher. More: Class of 2025 primary school leavers - send us your photos More: 'Fitting recognition to one of Worcestershire's finest sons' More: Enchanting cottage in picturesque village up for sale It's not fair on the dog. Their paws get burned from walking on a hot surface. The dog owners should take off their shoes and walk on a hot surface all day. If this could not happen then that would be great. It's upsetting. Leah Worrall Worcester
Globe and Mail
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Trump's strategy on Iran: Is it TACO or FOMO?
Walking a dog is against the law in Tehran. The rule has not been widely enforced, but in recent weeks officials in Iran signalled that the ban would be given bite, and extended to other parts of the country. The regime frowns on pet dogs as unclean, and avatars of westernization. Also forbidden: riding in a car with a dog. The prosecutor in Mashhad recently said that 'dog walking is a clear crime' and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the theocrat atop the theocratic state, said in 2017 that having dogs as pets is 'reprehensible' and 'forbidden.' None of the above speaks to how far along Iran is in building a nuclear weapon, or whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was right to have launched an attack, or whether U.S. President Donald Trump should join in. Instead, I share this little tidbit as a small insight into the big problem of ending this war, and ending it well. There are three players in this conflict, each with his own obsessions and his own degree of disconnection from reality. It starts with Iran, but does not end there. Collapse of Iranian regime could have unintended consequences for U.S. and Israel Trump says Iran's Supreme Leader is 'an easy target,' demands country's unconditional surrender Israel's military and intelligence agencies have a history of tactical genius, and this week's feats take that to new heights. But even the smartest bomb is just a tool, not a strategy. And Israel's tactical feats have been repeatedly squandered by a government with blinkered strategic vision. After more than 20 months of fighting in Gaza, Mr. Netanyahu has no plan to end the war, and no plan for the day after. It's a complete strategic void. Has he got a better idea for how to end this war with Iran? Then there's the U.S. President. With uncharacteristic prudence, he initially distanced himself from the Israeli strikes on Iran. That lasted a day. Having been mocked on tariffs as a TACO – Trump Always Chickens Out – he suddenly appeared to be seized by FOMO – the fear of missing out on Israel's success. On Tuesday, he wrote on social media that 'we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.' It was unclear if 'we' was foreshadowing or a Freudian slip. Surrounded by a cabinet of yes-men and a confederacy of dunces, it's a given that Mr. Trump is not getting the best advice. That means America is the second party to this conflict whose strategic vision may not be 20/20. And then there's the third player: Mr. Khamenei. Having spent decades fighting the decadence of the flesh – human and canine – while crushing any signs of popular opposition, his government is half Handmaid's Tale, half Sopranos. But he is now in hiding, his closest military advisers are now obituaries, and instead of leading Friday prayers with rote recitations of Death to America, Death to Israel, yada yada yada – the last speech posted on his website before the Israeli attack was titled 'Based on a definite divine decree, the Zionist regime is collapsing' – he's filming videos in an undisclosed location. He's 86 years old, in poor health, and has long had half his mind in the afterlife. Mr. Khamenei is also not likely to be the most level-headed decision maker. The best-case scenario is that Mr. Trump is threatening FOMO with the aim of getting to TACO; that Mr. Khamenei responds by agreeing to give up on nuclear weapons in return for an end to the war; and that Mr. Trump compels Mr. Netanyahu to embrace diplomatic success. In other words, the best hope is that Mr. Trump is bluffing, but that Mr. Khamenei isn't certain of that – and in any case his regime's survival is in peril from Israeli strikes alone – so he agrees to make the big concession. This whole process, however, involves multiple steps, and multiple opportunities for things to go wrong. And what happens if Mr. Khamenei calls Mr. Trump's bluff? On Thursday afternoon, the White House released a statement from the President: 'Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.' That's just about the most sensible thing Mr. Trump could have said. Given his track record, he may yet contradict or undermine it. He may become impatient and lose focus. But if he can stick to it, it offers both a path forward and the time to walk it. A win-win, ending the war and Iran's nuclear ambitions, without U.S. military intervention, is, for the moment at least, not impossible.
Vogue
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Ayo Edebiri Makes the Case for the Ultra Glamorous Dog Walk
Every so often, Ayo Edebiri's Chihuahua mix joins her for one of her events and commitments. The former Dogue cover star, who goes by the mononym Gromit, chose to link up with the actor in their home of L.A. for a glamorous, summery stroll after her appearance. 'I brought him to the set of The Bear, and he joined the camera department,' Edebiri previously—and very seriously—recalled to Vogue. 'He tried to run for treasurer of their Local 600 [the International Cinematographers Guild]. It was really scary.' 'I'm a gay, divorced entertainment lawyer who was turned into a dog by a former client of mine who discovered I was skimming a bit off the top, but I wasn't aware she was a witch,' Gromit also told Vogue. Edebiri finished up filming for an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel: Live and took them both out on a dog walk. Styled as ever by Danielle Goldberg for the evening—and her subsequent stroll—Edebiri opted for a draped red Proenza Schouler dress, paired with black pumps and sunglasses. She wore her long-favored auburn bob in a middle part. Gromit accessorized with a black dog lead.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Dog owners urged to avoid ‘hidden danger' this week as vet reveals breeds most at risk
DOG owners are being warned not to take their pets out for walks during key times this week as the UK braces for a summer heatwave. Vets say that while many owners believe a stroll in the fresh air is a good idea, the risks to dogs are much greater than just leaving them in a hot car. 2 Across the UK, with temperatures set to exceed 25°C and possibly reach 30°C in some regions, veterinary experts are urging owners to rethink their walking routines. According to Pet Health Club, which represents over 800 vet practices, the danger isn't just the sun — it's the ground beneath your dog's feet. In places like London, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of the South East, surfaces such as pavements and artificial grass can retain extreme heat long after the sun has started to dip. These hot surfaces can soar to more than 50°C — easily enough to burn sensitive paw pads and trigger overheating in just minutes. Holly McKinley, senior vet at Pet Health Club, explained: 'Many owners assume it's safe to walk their dogs once the sun dips, but pavements often stay dangerously hot well past 5pm, and on some days, the air does too. "That's why we're calling it the hidden 'danger hour'.' While heatstroke in dogs is a well-known risk in parked cars, the latest research suggests that walks during hot spells are an even bigger danger. A staggering 74 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are caused by exercise, compared to just 5 per cent from being left in vehicles. 'Dogs don't sweat like we do, and their ability to cool down is limited. So even when it feels bearable to us, it can still be risky for them,' said Holly. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave 'Walking your dog in 25-degree heat is like running a marathon in a fur coat. "It might not seem extreme to humans, but for dogs, especially those with thick coats or flat faces, it can be life-threatening.' She added that breeds with short snouts — known as Brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, bulldogs and boxers — are particularly at risk. Their compromised airways mean they struggle more to breathe and regulate their body temperature during even mild exertion. Dog owners are urged to check pavements before heading out by using the back-of-the-hand test. 'If you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws,' Holly said. 'If in doubt, skip the walk and focus on indoor play or enrichment instead.' Symptoms of heatstroke can come on quickly and include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting and even seizures. If untreated, it can result in collapse or death in a matter of minutes. Dog breeds most susceptible to overheating In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather... Firstly, those with underlying health problems. Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog. Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate. Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in. However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back. In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces. Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather Sean McCormack, head vet at said: 'A dog's ability to regulate heat is very different from ours. This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable.' Even short walks in the midday sun can be dangerous. Vets recommend walking early in the morning — ideally before 8am — or late in the evening, well after sunset, when both the air and surfaces have had time to cool down properly. Eve, a veterinary nurse from the UK, echoed the warning on social media. She said: 'The temperatures are rising and taking your dog on a walk is not worth risking their life. "Do it responsibly – 6am in the morning, 8pm at night when it's nice and cool.' She added: 'This applies to every single dog breed, but especially Brachycephalic breeds. If you can hear your dog breathing heavily on a normal day, that's a sign they're already under respiratory stress. "Add heat to that, and it can become dangerous very quickly.' Eve also warned of symptoms like vomiting and regurgitation, particularly in flat-faced breeds, which can lead to aspiration — where fluid enters the lungs and causes serious complications. During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow. Owners are advised to provide plenty of fresh water, use fans or cooling mats, and avoid overexcitement or vigorous play. 2
The Sun
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Dog owners urged to carry out 5-second test to protect pets during the hot weather
THE weather is hotting up and whilst us humans love it, our furry friends might not. Especially when you drag them out on a walk during the midday sun. 2 If you own a dog, there's a five-second test you need to carry out every day before grabbing the lead. The RSPCA endorses the "five-second pavement rule" to judge if the ground is too scorching for a dog's walk. Place the back of your hand on the pavement for five seconds, and if it's too hot for you, then it's too hot for your dog's paws. When temperatures hit 25°C outside, a pavement can reach 40–50°C. On a 30°C+ day, the pavement temperature may hit 55–60°C, according to the UK Met Office, and therefore, your dog's paws can burn in under a minute. The best time of day to take your dog for a walk is early in the morning, or late at night when the sun has set and the pavements are cooler. This advice applies equally to cats and any other pets you might consider taking for a walk. VetsDigital also suggests walking in shaded areas, like forests, and grassy routes like parks, and bringing water along for your pooch. Whilst your dog might want to run around chasing a ball, it's best to limit strenuous exercise to maintain their body temperature. And most importantly, make sure you look out for signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, drooling, wobbling, or vomiting. Other ways to keep your dog cool in summer When at home, there are plenty of ways to ensure your dog keeps cool. 1. Cooling accessories Retailers across the board are selling pet essentials for the summer, including Lidl's £4.99 dog cooling mat. A cooling mat works by incorporating 'pressure-activated gel technology' that aids in balancing heat exchange and conduction between the pet's body, the air, and the mat itself. They absorb the animal's body heat, helping to fend off dehydration and overheating during sweltering weather. But if you don't want to spend money, then a good alternative is to dampen a towel and freeze it. Place it on a hard surface like the kitchen tiles, and your pet can lie on it throughout the day. The RSPCA's dog first aid for heatstroke Warning signs of heatstroke: Heavy panting and difficulty breathing Excessively drooling The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated Collapsed or vomiting Emergency first aid for dogs: Move the dog to a shaded and cool area Immediately pour cool (not cold to avoid shock) water over the dog. Tap water (15-16°C) has been found to be the most effective at cooling dogs with heat-related illnesses. In a true emergency, any water is better than nothing. Wet towels placed over the dog can worsen the condition, trapping heat. In mild cases towels can be placed under the dog, but never over, and in a true emergency water immersion or pouring water with air movement is ideal. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water Continue to pour cool water over the dog until their breathing starts to settle, but not too much that they start shivering Dogs that have lost consciousness will stop panting, despite still having a very high temperature, these dogs require urgent aggressive cooling as a priority. Throughout the treatment of heatstroke try to avoid pouring water on or near your dog's head, as there is a risk of them inhaling water which could lead to drowning, especially for flat-faced and unconscious dogs. Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency. Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types. Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication are also more at risk. Information taken from 2. Doggy dips When walking in the morning or evening, VetsDigital encourages pet owners to allow their dogs to take a supervised dip in a river or lake to cool off. But this can also be achieved with a paddling pool in the garden, or even a washing up bowl filled with water. Aldi is selling a paddling pool just for dogs for £6.99. Alternatively, when there isn't a hosepipe ban, you can hose down your dog occasionally. 2 3. Shady spots Some dogs love to sunbathe but it's not recommended, so ensure there is lots of cool shady spots both inside and out to avoid sunburn and the sweltering heat. To encourage them to sit in the shade, move their bed and favourite toys to the area. The RSPCA advises cooling down your pet as much as possible at home before rushing them to the nearest vet if you suspect they are suffering from heatstroke.
