23/06/2026
🚨 RED WEATHER WARNING: KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE IN THE HEAT 🚨
As a Registered Veterinary Nurse, I cannot stress enough how dangerous extreme temperatures can be for our animals. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency and can affect dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses very quickly.
🐶 Dogs
• Walk early in the morning or late in the evening only or Even NOT AT ALL , missing a couple of walks will not be the end of the world !
• Never walk on hot pavements – if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws.
• Provide constant access to fresh, cool water and shade.
• Avoid vigorous exercise.
• Never leave a dog in a car, even for a few minutes.
🐱 Cats
• Ensure plenty of shaded, cool resting areas are available.
• Keep fresh water bowls in multiple locations around the home and garden.
• Encourage indoor rest during the hottest parts of the day.
• Watch for excessive panting, lethargy, or weakness.
🐰 Rabbits
• Rabbits are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke.
• Move hutches out of direct sunlight and ensure good ventilation.
• Provide frozen water bottles wrapped in towels for them to lie beside.
• Offer fresh water and damp leafy greens.
• Check them frequently throughout the day.
🐴 Horses
• Ensure unlimited access to fresh, clean water.
• Provide shade in fields and stables with good airflow.
• Avoid riding or exercising during peak temperatures.
• Consider hosing down with cool water and scraping excess water off to aid cooling.
• Monitor closely for signs of heat stress, including excessive sweating, rapid breathing, or lethargy.
⚠️Recognising the signs of heatstroke can help save a pet's life. In dogs, these signs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and a lack of coordination.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them immediately to a cool, well-ventilated area, *REMEMBER FIRST AID FIRST *offer small amounts of cold water if they are able to drink, and pour cold water over them to help bring their temperature down. Then please travel to your nearest veterinary surgery and telephone them on route with your estimated time of arrival .
Please check on elderly pets, brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs), young animals, and those with underlying health conditions, as they are at particularly high risk.
Stay safe, stay cool, and look after your animals during this heatwave. ❤️
