Emma Guinness
The UK is preparing for seriously hot weather, and while it’s important for humans to stay cool and hydrated, we can’t forget our furry friends.
Now, the RSPCA has issued an urgent warning to dog owners amid predictions that we could see temperatures as high as 34C this week.
These sweltering temperatures are predicted for parts of the South East, London and Wales on Friday (17 June).
The RSPCA warns that dogs shouldn’t be walked in these temperatures.
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The charity explained that it’s particularly dangerous to walk dogs in areas without adequate shade, advising: "If in doubt, don't go out."
RSPCA dog welfare specialist Esme Wheeler told MyLondon: "The truth is walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer.
"While the majority would never leave our dogs in a car on a hot day, or even take our dogs for a really long walk in the heat, many people may still be putting their dogs at risk even on a short walk, or taking them to places such as fields and beaches with little or no shade.
"We have long-campaigned that dogs die in hot cars, but this year we’re highlighting that dogs die on hot walks, too.
"The message remains very simple – never leave a dog in a hot car because ‘not long’ is too long, and when it comes to walks, 'if in doubt, don’t go out.'"
But don’t just take the RSPCA’s word for it.
Dr Dan O’Neill is an associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at London’s Royal Veterinary College, and he said dogs are susceptible to a number of illnesses in the heat.
“Heat-related illness can lead to organ failure, brain damage and ultimately death,” he told the Mirror.
"Most people know that dogs die in hot cars, but the reality is that more than 10 times as many dogs need veterinary treatment for heat-related illness following exercise as for being overheated in cars.
“It can take weeks for a dog to acclimatise to hot weather, so after a spell of cold weather, periods of hot weather can be particularly dangerous.”
According to Netweather temperatures could be so high this week that they may well beat the existing UK temperature record for June of 35.6C.
Their forecast read: "Operational forecast runs from the ECMWF [European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts] and GFS [Global Forecast System] are suggesting the potential for record-breaking temperatures of around 35-36C in the south-east."
So, if you've got a four-legged friend, please heed the RSPCA's warning and take all other precautions to ensure the heat doesn't harm them.