As the UK braces for temperatures soaring to 38°C, a vet has shared a simple dog food method to help keep pets cool and safe from heat-related illnesses. Dr Alex Crow, an RCVS licensed veterinary surgeon, advises adding water to dog food and freezing it as an effective way to lower body temperature while providing enrichment.
Freezing Dog Food as a Cooling Method
"Adding water to dog food and freezing it is an effective way to keep pets cool," Dr Crow explains. "It's a great enrichment for dogs who are bored inside, and it can work really well." As dogs lick the ice, it helps cool them down. He also suggests freezing pieces of cucumber or carrot, which keeps pets occupied and helps regulate their temperature.
The Met Office has issued an Extreme Heat warning for much of southern and central England and Wales, with Amber warnings extending into Friday and Saturday. Temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C for many on Wednesday and Thursday, peaking around 37°C on Wednesday and 38°C on Thursday and Friday, with a possibility of being exceeded.
Breed-Specific Risks and Precautions
Dr Crow highlights that not all breeds are equally at risk. "Flat faced dogs, like Frenchies, Bulldogs, and Pugs, as well as overweight dogs, are a lot more at risk than other breeds as they can't regulate temperature as well," he warns, urging extra caution. Similarly, flat faced cats are more prone to overheating and should be kept indoors.
He emphasizes that "whatever works for humans works for animals" when it comes to cooling, but stresses certain 'don'ts': "Never put a dog in a car. Dogs can die in just five minutes if they're left in a hot car."
Keep Pets Inside and Test Pavement Temperature
Dr Crow advises keeping pets inside during peak heat. "Even on mildly warm days, it's surprising how hot tarmac can get. During the summer, I see lots of dogs with ulcerated sore paws." He recommends the 'pavement test': hold the back of your hand against the tarmac for seven seconds; if it's too hot, it's unsafe for dog paws.
If walking is necessary, go very early in the morning or late in the evening. "A dog isn't going to die from missing a walk, but it could die on a walk," he cautions. For cats, he says they are generally okay to go outside as long as they have easy access indoors, as cats are good at self-regulating temperature and finding shade.
Cooling Mats and Water Fountains
Investing in a cooling mat can also help. "Cooling mats are actually really good," Dr Crow says. They are made from highly conductive materials that absorb heat and dissipate it into the air. Animals are naturally drawn to them, and placing them in preferred cool areas maintains comfort.
For hydration, Dr Crow recommends leaving plenty of water available and using water fountains for cats. "Cats have evolved from desert animals and they avoid stagnant water. They're more likely to drink if the water is fresh and moving."
Signs Your Pet is Overheating
Recognizing early signs of heat exhaustion is critical. "The most obvious sign your pet is overheating is panting very heavily and frantically, especially if they haven't been exerting themselves," Dr Crow says. "Dogs don't sweat through their fur or skin like humans, so panting is a dog's way of regulating body temperature."
Other signs include red or dark gums, wobbliness, collapsing, vomiting, and drooling. For cats, open mouth breathing is a red flag. "This could indicate another respiratory condition, but it is frequently one of the earliest warning signs of overheating in cats," he explains.
Emergency Steps for Overheating Pets
If your pet is overheating, Dr Crow advises cooling them down before rushing to the vet. "It's one of the few emergencies where you don't want to get to the vet straight away, but actually cool them down first." He stresses pouring cold water over them to get them as wet as possible. "The temperature of the water doesn't matter too much, but obviously you don't want to shock them with very cold water."
For cats, he acknowledges they may not like water, but says, "If it means you'll save a life, you've got to do it." Alternatively, dampening a towel and placing it over them can help, but ensure the towel is re-dampened to avoid trapping heat.
