22/06/2026
🌡 With the Met Office forecasting temperatures of above 35 degrees this week, the UK is bracing for an intense heatwave that will put both people and pets to the test.
⚠ As of Monday morning, June 22, a red weather warning has been issued, with extreme heat across parts of central and southern England and Wales from 9am on Wednesday, June 24, to 9pm on Thursday, June 25.
The Met Office says: "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."
Hot weather is dangerous for pets because they cannot sweat like humans to cool down. As pets are unable to communicate when they are overheating or struggling with dehydration, they are at risk of suffering in extreme conditions more than most.
Heatstroke is the most common illness in pets during the warmer months. Medivet and Partners has highlighted the key symptoms to look out for, which include:
- Excessive panting.
- Excessive thirst.
- Very red gums.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Lethargy.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea.
- Staggering, weakness or collapsing.
To help pet owners keep their furry friends safe and comfortable in the scorching heat, Dr Rhian Littlehales BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VBM) MRCVS, Clinical Governance Director at Medivet and Partners, is urging owners to follow seven tips to ensure the safety of their pets during the heatwave.
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."
Putting a wet towel right on your pet can actually raise their temperature. When the towel soaks up their body heat, it prevents air from circulating and keeps warm, moist air close to their skin. Instead of draping it over them, try placing it underneath. Allow your pet to lie on a damp towel rather than placing it on top of them.
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, as evenings and early mornings are still hot enough to trigger heatstroke. 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 and is often a fun activity for your dog on days when they are missing a walk because of the high temperatures."
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."
✍ Charlotte Smith
