‘I’m a dog trainer and sign in your dog’s breathing can tell you if th

While lots of people are loving the hot weather much the UK has been basking in over the past few weeks, for others it’s decidedly uncomfortable. Spare a thought then, for our four-legged friends. Dogs don’t sweat the same way humans do, and as a result, it can be difficult for them to avoid getting uncomfortable when it’s hot outside – and being covered in fur hardly helps matters.

As a result, dog owners need to be particularly alert during periods of hot weather to make sure their faithful companions aren’t suffering. But there’s another problem – dogs can’t tell us when there’s something wrong, so how do we know when they’re too hot?

Dog trainer Max, known as mk9plus on TikTok, where he has more than 170,000 followers, has explained the one behaviour that can tip you off. Opening his video, Max said: “All dogs pant when they’re hot, but there’s one very specific moment where a bit warm becomes medical emergency. Here’s how to tell if your dog is freaking boiling.”

He continued: “So, I don’t know if you realise, but dog’s tongues are massive compared to the size of their body, and this is what makes panting a really good way of losing heat. The more that tongue is hanging out, the more heat can escape the body.

“This is because dogs are not covered in sweat glands like we are. We are very wet and moisty, slippery things.

“So the typical rule of thumb is that, the further the tongue is hanging out, the hotter the dog is. However, there’s more.”

Displaying some clips of dogs panting, Max continued: “There is one key thing to look for in panting and it’s this. The tongue is now starting to curl back into the mouth.

“This is the point where the dog is becoming very hot and bothered. And this is a dog that definitely needs a break. Like, definitely needs one.”

He urged dog owners not to rely solely on “the temperature on your weather app”, adding: “Some dogs are just really bad in the heat. Some dogs are bad when it’s warm. So just be aware of this stuff.”