The Met Office has issued a red weather warning as the UK braces for a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 35°C and potentially reach 40°C in some areas. From Monday morning, June 22, a red warning has been declared, with exceptional heat across central and southern England and Wales from 9am on Wednesday, June 24, until 9pm on Thursday, June 25.
The Met Office stated: "During the heatwave expected to affect a large part of England and Wales this week, the highlighted area now looks increasingly likely to see a two to three day period where maximum temperatures in the shade exceed 37 Celsius, perhaps rising to 38 to 40 Celsius in some places. The heat will be accompanied by high humidity, exacerbating the potential for discomfort and health impacts, with very warm and humid night times also reducing the ability for people to recover overnight."
Warm weather poses dangers for animals because they lack the ability to perspire like humans for cooling. Since animals cannot express when they are overheating or battling dehydration, they face greater risk of distress in extreme conditions. Heatstroke is the most prevalent ailment in animals during warmer periods. Medivet and Partners has identified key symptoms to monitor: excessive panting, excessive thirst, very red gums, rapid heart rate, lethargy, vomiting or diarrhoea, and staggering, weakness, or collapsing.
Seven Tips to Keep Pets Safe During the Heatwave
Dr Rhian Littlehales BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet and Partners, is encouraging owners to follow seven recommendations to ensure their pets' wellbeing.
1. Remember 'Wet Then Vet'
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "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 cold fizzy drink could be used if it was the only available item, and contact your vet to seek medical advice." Placing a wet towel directly on your pet can actually increase their temperature. Instead, let your pet rest on a damp towel rather than covering them with it.
2. Adjust Your Walking Routine
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "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." On extremely hot days, dogs will benefit from skipping a walk completely. If you're not sure if the pavements are 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.
3. Provide Access to Fresh Drinking Water
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "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. You can encourage your pet to drink more than usual with running taps, multiple water bowls, or even by purchasing a play pool." Proactively soaking your pet by encouraging them to play in a pool can also help prevent heatstroke.
4. Apply Pet-Friendly Suncream
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "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. 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."
5. Book Regular Grooms
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "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."
6. Provide Shady Spots
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "If your dog loves to play out in the garden, it's important they have lots of shaded areas where they can relax away from the sun. 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."
7. Never Leave Your Dog Alone in the Car
Dr Rhian Littlehales said: "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. The safest choice is to leave your dog at home, where they have access to shade and fresh water while you're out."
