The RSPCA has issued an urgent warning to dog owners during the ongoing UK heatwave: do not use damp towels to try to cool 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 temperatures expected to reach 39-40C in parts of England.
Why Damp Towels Are Dangerous
According to the RSPCA, placing a damp towel directly over a dog's body can trap heat against the skin, preventing the animal from cooling down effectively. Instead, the charity recommends placing wet or damp towels beneath the dog, re-wetting them frequently, but never covering the dog's body. Heatstroke can be fatal, and owners are advised to act quickly to reduce their dog's body temperature and seek veterinary help.
Heatwave Conditions
The Met Office has warned that the hottest conditions will be felt across southern and eastern England, with parts of Wales also experiencing unusually high temperatures. Thursday is expected to remain exceptionally warm, with some locations potentially surpassing 39C. Conditions should ease slightly by Friday, though temperatures may still exceed 30C in several areas.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat-health alerts across multiple regions, warning of potential impacts on vulnerable people and increased strain on health and care services.
RSPCA Advice for Dog Owners
On its website, the RSPCA states: “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 charity also advises providing plenty of fresh water, shade, and avoiding walks during the hottest parts of the day.
