Safe and Hound Middlewich helping to keep dogs out of the heat

That is a quote doing the rounds on social media which Stephanie Cheadle, who owns Safe and Hound Middlewich, is a big fan of.

Her Moss Lane site, which has two exercise spaces for dogs, is opening at 5am and closing at 11pm, allowing for three extra hours of dog exercise that keeps them out of the heat of the day.

“Yesterday I was out and about and I saw so many people walking their dogs in the middle of the day in 30°C temperatures," Stephanie, who lives in Middlewich, said.

"We appreciate people do want to get their dogs out but in this heat, it really just isn’t safe to be walking on hard surfaces and those with thicker coats,”

“We wanted people to still have the option to exercise their dogs but at a safe time where temperatures are lower.

“These extended times mean you can bring them when the temperature is suitable for them to be exercised.”

Safe and Hound's Middlewich outdoor space

The area has grass fields that can still get warm but are not as hot in the sun as surfaces like pavements.

As a result of the earlier opening times, some customers have moved their bookings.

“A lot of the people that were booked on for midday how now moved to later this evening or early morning later in the week,” Stephanie added.

“As dog owners, we all adore our dogs and would never want to put them at risk and we just want to raise awareness of the fact that we really shouldn’t be walking our dogs in the peak temperature of the day.”

Stephanie, who started the business when her dog, 14, was attacked years ago and needed to be given more space, describes her site as unique and an adventure.

But in terms of choosing whether to take your dog out when it is hot, she added: “They are much safer at home with a fan on.”

The RSPCA advise on their website that they recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement.