it's been a scorcher of a summer so far - Emma Wylye Valley Walkies‍. ‍

‍ ‍

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll have noticed it's been a scorcher of a summer so far. I’m not normally one to complain about sunny weather, but it has made walking dogs a bit of a challenge. We’re all heading out first thing in the morning, seeking shade from the blazing sun and water for a quick dip to cool down.

I’ve found myself taking walks I wouldn’t usually take, heading to the woods for example. I do love a big view and so walking in the trees has never been my first choice, but I’ve found a new joy in the cool, dapple green of the tree canopy and the beams of light that dance as we’re walking along.

The dogs love it of course, so many smells to find and undergrowth to rootle about in. We’ve also spent some time on the riverbank between Wylye and Fisherton, taking a lazy stroll along the path. We were even treated to a swim past by 5 cygnets and their feisty protective parents one morning.  

‍ On a serious note, it really is important not to walk your dog when the temperature is so high. There is a useful chart here https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/blogs/lifestyle/when-is-it-too-hot-to-walk-your-dog . As a general guide (it does depend on breed, age and health of your dog) anything above 24C is deemed too hot and 28C and above can be life threatening. Try and walk first thing in the morning or much later in the evening. Lunchtime and afternoons have been far too hot to walk – I’ve just been providing home visits for any clients after 9.30am! No dog ever died from missing a walk, they may give you ‘that’ look but it really is better safe than sorry‍.