The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has issued a critical warning to dog owners during the ongoing UK heatwave: never use damp towels to cool down your dog, as this can trap heat and worsen the animal's condition. The warning comes as the Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with the UK Health Security Agency also highlighting potential impacts on health and social care services.
Why Damp Towels Are Dangerous
According to the RSPCA, placing a damp towel directly over a dog's body can trap heat, preventing the animal from cooling down effectively. Instead, the charity advises placing wet or damp towels beneath the dog, remembering to re-wet them frequently, but never over the body. “Don't place damp towels directly over the dog's body, as this can trap heat and worsen their condition,” the RSPCA states on its website. “You can place wet or damp towels beneath the dog – remembering to re-wet the towel frequently – but never over their body.”
Recognizing Heatstroke in Dogs
The RSPCA emphasizes that when a dog gets too hot and cannot lower its temperature by panting, it can develop heatstroke, which can be fatal. Owners should look for symptoms including collapse, confusion, dehydration, drooling, increased heart rate, muscle spasms, noisy breathing, panting, red gums and tongue, seizures, vomiting and diarrhoea, and weakness or lethargy. “This can be fatal, so you need to act fast to reduce their body temperature first, then get help,” the charity warns.
What to Do If Your Dog Overheats
The RSPCA advises a “cool first, transport second” approach. To stop further heating, stop exercise, remove the dog from hot environments, and move it into shade. To cool the dog, pour cool water (cooler than the dog's temperature) over its body, avoiding the head to prevent breathing difficulties. If possible, submerge the dog in cool water, but not if the dog is unconscious, elderly, or has health conditions—in those cases, spray with room temperature water. Create a breeze by fanning the dog. Once cooled, take the dog to the nearest vet in a cooled, well-ventilated vehicle, calling ahead to inform the vet of the urgency.
Additional Heatwave Advice
The Met Office's red warning indicates a high risk of heat-related illnesses, and the RSPCA urges all pet owners to take precautions. The charity's website provides further details on heatstroke prevention and first aid. “The best thing to do when your dog is overheating is cool first, transport second,” the RSPCA reiterates. “This means acting fast to stop further heating, cooling the dog down, and then taking them to your nearest vet.”
