The RSPCA says it could be ‘a matter of life or death’ if pet owners do not take extreme caution and familiarise themselves with the signs of heatstroke in animals ahead of the severe heatwave this weekend.
The urgent advice comes as the Met Office has issued an Amber Extreme Heat Warning and a Level 3 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert is in place for parts of England and Wales.
Recent polling revealed that more than a third of people* wouldn’t know what action to take if their dog was showing signs of heatstroke.
The RSPCA’s animal welfare experts are urging pet owners to take every precaution possible to protect their pets, from skipping walks and keeping them indoors out of the heat, to making frozen treats to encourage them to keep hydrated. They are giving the advice as the animal welfare charity also launches its Cancel Out Cruelty summer appeal which highlights how - as the temperatures rise - so do calls to the charity’s cruelty hotline.
The RSPCA sees a rise of animal cruelty in July and August with 245 reports of cruelty every day. Due to an increase in pet ownership and the cost of living crisis the charity is braced for a summer of suffering and is calling for the public to support its rescue teams to help as many animals as possible.
Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The hot weather has gone from glorious to extreme, and we can’t stress enough how vital it is that pet owners take the situation seriously. That means limiting or skipping walks, only taking very essential car journeys, leaving water available at all times, and preparing damp, cold towels and mats, and frozen treats.
“We’re still getting reports of dogs being left in cars, and seeing a lot of dogs being taken to busy outdoor events like festivals, shows and fetes, and to the beach. Don’t be that person who is dragging their panting dog along the pavement or plodding around a garden show. We can’t stress this enough - please leave them at home in the cool where they’ll be safe.”
Esme added: “Knowing how to try and prevent heatstroke, and also how to spot the signs of heatstroke in pets could be a matter of life and death, so we’re urging anyone with a pet - whether it’s a dog or cat, a rabbit or guinea pig, and even chickens, horses and exotic animals - to put aside some time today to read up and make plans.”
