The UK is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave as temperatures have reached 40C. Love or loathe the heat, it’s important to keep safe from the sun—and that includes our furry friends.
Our dogs and cats need our help to combat the heat, and loving owners have been doing the most to help keep them cool.
From paddling pools and dog-friendly ice cream, to wet towels and naps in front of fans, this is how the UK’s pets have been dealing with the weather this week.
Hughie, a seven-year-old Staffy cross from Stoke on Trent, cooled down with a wet towel and a doggy ice cream.
Phew it's a hot one today 😅 🌞🌞
— @HandsomeHughie (@handsomehughie) July 18, 2022
It's hard for a boy like me with a lot of bounce to stay cool. Luckily aunty came to visit me early today and got me a nice wet towel to lie on plus a tasty Doggy ice cream 👅.
Hope you and your pets are keeping cool today! 😎 Lots of luff HH 😘 pic.twitter.com/XM9Sa2etUC
Sky, a black terrier who lives in a Dogs Trust shelter in Glasgow, enjoyed the heatwave from a paddling pool.
Sweet little Sky is wishes you all a happy Friday and hopes you're keeping cool ☀️💦🐾@DT_Glasgow 📍
— Dogs Trust 💛🐶 (@DogsTrust) July 15, 2022
Image Description: Sky is a black terrier standing in a paddling pool outside. Sky is looking up the camera with a happy expression. pic.twitter.com/F1frqQjTxA
Winnie, a Border Terrier from East Yorkshire, had a dip in a paddling pool to cool her paws.
I hopes effurry one iz keeping cool. It's proper maftin'! pic.twitter.com/KNlYCWz8eR
— Winnie The Border Terrier (@BorderWinnie) July 18, 2022
A bull terrier enjoyed a nice cool breeze from his fan while taking a nap.
Keeping the old boy cool 💕 pic.twitter.com/rlpKYJ9V68
— ebbyjade (@ebbyjade2) July 18, 2022
Pushkin the cat had a cool off with a nap in the shade.
Seeking shade… #Heatwave2022 pic.twitter.com/EUPGWEVn8q
— Lowenna Waters (@Lowenna) July 18, 2022
16-year-old Bella took a nap in front of a fan to combat the heat in South Wales.
Bella cooling down during the heatwave 😌 pic.twitter.com/ownIHnH6b6
— Seren Morris (@serenhmorris) July 19, 2022
Sue treated her dog to a paddling pool, set up in the shade to keep extra cool.
I spoil this dog, £30 on a dog pool. And yes it’s in the shade. pic.twitter.com/LvZSWX6Crf
— Sue Ackroyd (@SuzyAckroyd) July 18, 2022
The Tired Paws foundation shared a photo of retired prison dogs Phoebe and Sirius bobbing for apple and carrot in their paddling pools.
Retired prison dogs Phoebe and Sirius enjoying some apple and carrot bobbing in their paddling pools! pic.twitter.com/D5aq1IMDqR
— Tired Paws Foundation for retired prison dogs (@tiredpawshmpdog) July 9, 2022
Graeme Bandeira shared a video of his dog relaxing on the sofa in front of a fan.
Like this… pic.twitter.com/VT6umNceiW
— Graeme Bandeira (@GraemeBandeira) July 19, 2022
Jon Southgate’s dog is cooling down by eating ice for lunch.
With ice for lunch pic.twitter.com/JsZESmgz9Z
— jon southgate (@jonsot1) July 19, 2022
How to keep pets safe during the heatwave
There are a number of things we can do to help keep our pets cool during the heatwave.
One of the most important things is to keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If possible, avoid walking your dog or letting your pets out in the sun for long-periods of time between 10am and 4pm.
Not only will the sun be hot on their skin, but the tarmac could burn their feet.
Dog-owners may also think about applying dog-friendly sun cream to their pets, especially on their nose, ears, and bellies, where they may have less fur to protect them.
Finally, make sure your pets have plenty of access to shade and fresh water, and be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs, which can include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, excessive salivation, lack of coordination, and vomiting or diarrhoea.
How are your pets keeping cool in this weather? Share your pictures on Twitter and tag @EveningStandard.
