RSPCA: Hot weather pet advice website searches surge amid heatwave

In the wake of the hot weather conditions engulfing parts of the UK, the RSPCA has reported a 77% increase in individuals seeking advice on how to protect their pets.

Despite the onset of autumn, temperatures are set to soar above 25°C (77°F), prompting a wave of concerned pet owners to search for guidance.

From January to August 2023, the charity’s website witnessed a spike in users, with 46,431 individuals seeking advice, a significant increase from the 26,143 users during the same period in 2022.

Other online resources, focusing on heatstroke in dogs and the dangers of leaving them in heated cars, have also seen a rise in visits by 11% and 2.3%, respectively.

Amid concerns that some might be unprepared for this sudden shift in weather, the RSPCA has reiterated the importance of heeding its guidelines on safeguarding animals during hot spells to prevent them from undue suffering or, in worst cases, death.

The Met Office corroborates the charity’s urgency, indicating that Wales and England will experience temperatures of 25°C or more for several days, categorising it under ‘heatwave conditions’.

Esme Wheeler, an RSPCA dog welfare expert, emphasised the latent dangers of such weather for animals, stating, “Hot weather can be a secret killer for animals.”

She pointed out the threats of sunstroke, overheating, and other heat-induced problems. “While many will be relishing this week’s warmer climate,” Esme added, “it could prove fatal for our cherished pets if we aren’t prepared.”

Annual reminders from the RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations stress the dangers of leaving dogs inside cars during hot weather, given the risks of sunstroke, overheating, and burns from scorching pavements.

This year, a new focus has been put on the hazards of walking dogs under high temperatures.

Esme further remarked on the dangers, noting that “walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer”. The RSPCA’s long-standing campaign against the peril of dogs dying in overheated cars is now complemented with their current push: highlighting the fatal consequences of overheated walks.

The charity’s plea to the nation is twofold: firstly, not to leave a dog in a car during hot weather, no matter how short the duration, and secondly, if unsure about the feasibility of walking a dog in these conditions, it’s better to avoid it entirely.

Sharing this advice could very well save a canine companion’s life.

Top tips for pet owners in hot weather

Dogs

• Never leave your dog in a vehicle. Dogs die in hot cars. Call 999 in an emergency if you see a dog in a hot car.

• All dogs need extra care during summer.

• Exercise dogs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler – but don’t be afraid to skip a walk altogether if it’s too hot. Remember: If in doubt, don’t go out.

• Keep a close eye on older dogs, those with thicker coats or flat faces, and those with existing health conditions.

• Remember, pavements can get very hot in the warm weather – if you can’t comfortably keep your hand on the ground for five seconds then it’s too hot for your pooch’s paws too! Sadly, we have been called in the past about dogs with burned pads.

• Have a go at making some frozen dog treats to keep your pooch cool.

• Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly for your dog from pet-friendly ingredients.

• Freeze your dog’s water bowl or kong, or add ice cubes to your pet’s bowl.

• Fill a paddling pool or spray a hose for your dog to play in but always supervise them around water.

• Wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.

• Be aware of the signs of heat-related illness in dogs so you can take action and seek urgent veterinary care as soon as possible if necessary – excessive panting or unusual breathing noise, change in behaviour and lethargy, stumbling, any blue/grey tinge to gums or tongue.

Cats, small furries, fish & pet chickens

• Watch the RSPCA’s video on how to keep cats cool in hot weather.

• Pop a cool damp towel down in case your cat finds this comfortable to rest on.

• Don’t let your pet get sunburnt – use pet-safe sun cream on ears and other exposed areas if necessary.

• Check small animals, poultry and other pets twice a day for flystrike.

• Keep guinea pigs cool and hydrated by making them a fresh vegetable treat.

• Ensure rabbits and guinea pigs have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times, and remember that as the sun moves during the day so too does the shade. Somewhere that was shaded in the morning could be in full sun by the afternoon.

• Freeze a semi-full plastic bottle of water and wrap it in a towel so your pets can lie against it.

• Those with pet chickens can encourage them to stay in shaded areas by hanging up a homemade vegetable garland for chickens.

• Keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight.

Horses and farm animals

• Check water troughs are working properly and clean out any algae or debris.

• For horses stabled during the day out of the heat, try making them our horse and pony boredom buster treat.

• A non-toxic fly repellent spray and a fly mask can help keep horses protected from bugs.

• Plan exercising and travelling horses at either end of the day when temperatures are lower.

• Use pet-safe sunscreen on horses’ muzzles if necessary.

• Know the signs of dehydration in horses so you can contact a vet if needed.

• Make sure pet pigs have plenty of wet mud to wallow in as well as shade.

Wildlife

• Leave a bowl of fresh drinking water in your garden for birds and other wildlife.

• Top up water levels of ponds.

• Keep an eye out for wildlife when using lawnmowers or strimmers.