Gardening expert Monty Don has provided an update on how his beloved golden retriever Ned is coping with the record-breaking heatwave sweeping the UK. In a video posted to Instagram, Ned is seen standing in a shallow outdoor bath filled with water, drinking from it. The caption read: "Drinking one's bathwater..."
Fans React to Ned's Heatwave Struggle
Fans were quick to express sympathy for the dog. One commented: "Aww...poor baby! Keep cool, Ned (and Monty and family!)" Another said: "Poor baby is so hot. Drink up, Ned!" A third wrote: "Poor Ned," while a fourth noted: "Aah so hot, panting."
Heatwave Dangers for Dogs
The scorching temperatures pose significant risks to pets, especially dogs, who are vulnerable to heatstroke. The RSPCA warns: "When a dog gets too hot and can't lower its temperature by panting, it can develop heatstroke. This can be fatal, so you need to act fast to reduce their body temperature first, then get help."
The organisation advises cooling the dog down before transporting them to a vet. It cautions against placing wet towels over the dog, as this can trap heat. Instead, owners should place damp towels beneath the dog and re-wet them frequently.
Monty Don's Bond with His Dogs
Monty Don has previously written about his lifelong companionship with dogs on his blog: "I have lived with dogs all my life and so it is absolutely natural to me that wherever I am in the garden I should be accompanied by a dog or two. It is their garden as much as mine or any other members of the family."
About Monty Don
Best known as the lead presenter of BBC's Gardeners' World, Monty Don began his TV career in 1989 with a gardening segment on This Morning. He has authored over 25 books and hosted several gardening programs, including 2026's Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens.
