The RSPCA has warned dog owners against placing damp towels over their pets during hot weather, saying the practice can trap heat and worsen their condition. The advice was shared in a blog post last summer, where the charity highlighted several heatwave myths.
In the post, the RSPCA addressed the belief that damp towels should be placed over hot dogs, stating: "False. Please don't do this." The charity explained: "Placing damp towels directly over your dog's body can trap heat and worsen their condition. There may be some value in placing wet or damp towels under your dog, but never over their body, and you must re-wet the towel frequently to improve the cooling effectiveness."
Exercise risks and safer alternatives
The RSPCA also debunked the myth that pets need to be walked every day, even in hot weather. The charity said: "Walking and other exercise are great, and some dogs may seem to demand their usual routine, but on hot days, they can be dangerous. Exercise is the leading trigger of heatstroke in UK dogs."
Instead, the RSPCA recommends keeping dogs engaged at home with puzzle toys, training games, or scent work, noting that mental stimulation can engage even the most active dogs and is much safer in the heat. Dog walks should be planned to avoid the hottest parts of the day, with the charity advising: "think 'dawn or dusk' when planning summer activity. If your dog wants to sleep because of the warm weather, let them."
Heatstroke response
If a dog shows signs of heatstroke, the RSPCA says it is important to cool the pet before transporting them to the vet. The experts explained: "The current best practice, as endorsed by the Royal Veterinary College, is to stop: Cease all activity and remove the dog from the hot environment. Cool: Initiate cooling by applying water cooler than the dog's body temperature, using methods such as immersion or pouring water combined with air movement (e.g., from a fan). Transport: Once the dog's temperature begins to decrease, transport them to the veterinary clinic in a cooled, well-ventilated vehicle and continue the cooling process in transit."
This 'Cool First, Transport Second' advice is crucial, as prolonged elevated body temperature can lead to severe organ damage and even death. Immediate cooling significantly improves the chances of recovery.
