The RSPCA has issued an urgent warning to pet owners across Wiltshire as temperatures are expected to climb during a weekend heatwave.
The charity’s appeal comes after the Met Office issued an amber extreme heat warning for much of southern England and southeastern Wales on Friday (19 June).
Forecasters expect temperatures to continue rising into the start of next week, with highs of up to 34°C predicted on Monday and Tuesday.
The RSPCA is urging owners to take action now to protect animals from heat-related illness, warning that heatstroke can develop quickly and prove fatal.
Lauren Bennett, expert in dog welfare at the RSPCA, said: “It’s really simple – planning ahead and being prepared in this hot weather can help save pets’ lives.
“Complacency can mean soaring temperatures are a silent killer for our beloved animals.”
The charity is reminding owners never to leave dogs inside vehicles during hot weather and says anyone who sees a dog in distress in a hot car should call 999 immediately.
RSPCA welfare teams have also highlighted risks associated with other forms of transport, including trains, ferries and caravans.
According to RSPCA polling, only 58% of people said they would not leave their dog inside a car on a warm day, suggesting many still underestimate the dangers posed by rising temperatures.
Lauren Bennett said: “As the heatwave has already started to ramp up, the temptation is for us to keep as cool as possible – whether that’s taking a parasol for a trip to the seaside or stocking up the fridge for a BBQ.
“However, we are reminding pet owners to keep a really close eye on their animals during this heatwave, skip the hot walks, and never ever leave their dog in a hot vehicle.”
As part of its Summer of Kindness campaign, the RSPCA is encouraging people to look out for animals during the hot weather by checking on neighbours’ pets and leaving out shallow bowls of water for wildlife.
Lauren said: “We know that almost half of the public may still underestimate the danger, which is why now is the critical time to start your ‘pet homework.’
“This includes everything from getting into the habit of checking the temperature forecast daily to planning cooler walks and knowing exactly how to act in a heatstroke emergency.
“Taking these simple steps now is the best way to safeguard your dog’s life.”
She added: “No matter your dog’s breed or how much they appear to enjoy basking in the sunshine, all animals are at risk.
“Taking the time now to identify how you can reduce your dog’s risk, could just save their life.”
The charity is advising owners to keep homes as cool as possible, provide plenty of fresh water and avoid exercising dogs during the hottest parts of the day.
Pet owners are also being urged to learn the signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, vomiting and unsteady movement.
In an emergency, owners should move their pet into shade, cool them with water, provide airflow and contact a vet immediately.
