Dog owners urged to avoid early morning walks from Saturday

Pet owners have been advised to avoid walking their dogs in the early morning from this Saturday. With the earlier sunrises and temperatures rising, many dog owners enjoy taking their four-legged friends on walks in the early hours to avoid them being hit by blistering heat. The early hours of the day during the warmer months are typically more manageable for our furry friends, and with temperatures expected to rise again next week, pet owners are likely to be ready to resume their early morning walks.

However, the Met Office advises otherwise; instead, pet owners should find other times to walk their dogs, as the UK’s pollen count is expected to be high throughout the next week.

According to the weather agency’s pollen forecast, the pollen levels across the Midlands, Wales, South West England, and East England will be high, while in London and the South East, it is expected to be very high.

The following days will see more areas of the UK forecast to have high or very high pollen counts, until Tuesday, when the whole of England and Wales’s pollen count will be either high or very high.

With that in mind, the Met Office urges pet owners to be mindful of their dogs during allergy season and advises them to do all they can to ensure their pets are protected, including deciding when to take them out for walks.

The Met Office said: “Try to avoid walking your dog in early morning and late evening as this is usually when the pollen count is highest.

“The best time to take dogs out is when the pollen is low, such as before dawn, late afternoon and early evening, though these times vary depending on the weather.”

It also advises keeping dogs on a lead when near grass, as rolling around in it can leave fur covered in pollen, and wiping paws and muzzles after every walk, using sensitive wipes or specially designed pet wipes.

Dogs, especially sensitive, may require their paws and muzzle to be rinsed with water or even shampoo, but you can seek vet advice for that.

If you are not sure whether or not your pet is allergic to pollen, here are the symptoms to look out for: