Rhiannon Ingle
The UK heatwave brought record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday (24 June), with forecasters warning they could rise even higher.
A rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office, with the heatwave forecast set to continue on Thursday (25 June) and Friday (26 June).
Due to the exceptionally hot and humid conditions, vets have issued some urgent safety advice for pet owners in order to keep their four-legged friends safe during such high temperatures.
As pets are unable to communicate when they are overheating or struggling with dehydration, they are at risk of suffering in extreme conditions more than most.
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Heat stroke is the most common pet illness during the warmer months, and Medivet & Partners has highlighted the key symptoms to look out for, which include:
To help pet owners keep their furry friends safe and comfortable in the blazing heat, Dr Rhian Littlehales, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet & Partners, is urging owners to follow seven tips, including a life-saving test which takes just a few seconds.
If you spot any of the symptoms of heatstroke - remember 'Wet then Vet'.
"It is important to first soak your pet with cool water, although any non-toxic fluids such as a cold fizzy drink could be used if it was the only available item, and contact your vet to seek medical advice," Dr Rhian explains.
However, the RSPCA has warned that damp towels should never be placed directly over a dog's body when they are overheating.
While it may seem like a quick way to cool them down during the hot weather, the towel can actually trap heat against the dog's body and 'worsen their condition'.
"It’s important to remember to walk your dog early in the morning, or in the evening when the ground is cooler on their paws, and be sure to keep walks shorter than usual, as too much physical exertion can cause your dog to overheat and become dehydrated," she continued.
On extremely hot days, dogs will benefit from skipping a walk completely, as evenings and early mornings are still hot enough to trigger heatstroke.
"If you’re not sure if the pavement is too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If you struggle to hold it down, it’s too hot to walk your dog," she added, referring to what is known amongst pet owners as the 'pavement test'.
"Dogs and cats need to drink plenty of water during warm weather, and it is essential to provide fresh, clean water whether at home, in the garden, or out on walks to prevent dehydration," Dr Rhian outlined.
Pet owners can encourage their furry friends to drink more than usual with running taps, multiple water bowls, or even by purchasing a play pool.
She added: "Proactively soaking your pet, by encouraging them to play in a pool, can also help prevent heatstroke and is often a fun activity for your dog on days when they are missing a walk because of the high temperatures."
"Like humans, pets can suffer from sunburn if they’re not properly protected, and breeds with short or white hair, or with pink ears, are more at risk," Dr Rhian noted.
"To help keep them protected, you can purchase animal-friendly suncream and apply it to the sensitive areas, including the nose, lips, tips of the ears and belly, but always ensure your pet is in the shade, or the coolest part of the house during the hottest time of the day."
Dr Rhian stressed that grooming your pet during the summer can help them regulate their temperature, particularly if they have long or thick fur.
Ensure you’re regularly brushing to get rid of shedding fur, but take care to never shave your dog as it will make them more susceptible to sunburn.”
This may seem obvious, but it's important that your pooch has lots of shady areas where they can relax from the sun if they love to play outdoors in the garden.
The expert explained: "Encouraging your pets into the shade is much better than a dog house as it allows air to circulate freely, helping to keep them cool.
"However, you can set up a shaded makeshift den with a water bowl and their favourite toys to encourage them to stay out of the heat, but keep an eye on how the sun moves throughout the day to make sure the shade lasts into the afternoon."
And lastly, never leave your dog alone in a car during summer, as it’s one of the leading causes of heatstroke in dogs.
"Even on a mild 23°C day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 43°C in just 30 minutes, and it can happen in as little as 10 minutes when it's hotter," Dr Rhian urged.
"The safest choice is to leave your dog at home, where they have access to shade and fresh water while you’re out."