Overview
- The Met Office’s forecast for the May bank holiday weekend has brought temperatures up to about 33C in parts of southern and central England and triggered coordinated warnings from the RSPCA, PDSA, Dogs Trust, BVA and others.
- All groups strongly advise never leaving pets in cars and say owners should test pavements with a hand for several seconds before walking because surfaces and vehicle interiors heat far faster than the air.
- Charities clarified safer cooling methods, including cool water dousing, soaked bandanas, cooling mats, paddling pools and crushed ice or ice shavings, and warned against draping damp towels over animals or giving solid ice cubes.
- If an animal shows signs of heatstroke owners should cool the pet immediately and then seek veterinary care, following the guidance to 'cool first, transport second' and to call ahead to a vet for urgent attention.
- Brachycephalic breeds, overweight dogs, puppies, seniors and animals with heart or respiratory problems are at greatest risk, so owners should avoid peak heat, move exercise to early morning or late evening, and provide constant access to shade and water.