Pet owners across Wales are being urged to keep dogs indoors and avoid walks during the current heatwave, as RSPCA Cymru warns of the potentially fatal risk of heatstroke.
THE ANIMAL welfare charity has called for a temporary “dog lockdown” over the next two days as red weather warnings remain in place and temperatures are expected to soar.
The warning follows comments from First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth, who said Wales could see some of its highest temperatures on record during the current spell of hot weather.
RSPCA Cymru says dog owners should immediately change their routines, with walks, ball games and other energetic exercise all discouraged until temperatures begin to ease.
Lauren Bennett, the RSPCA’s dog welfare expert, said the next 24 to 48 hours should be treated as a period of “lockdown” for pets.
She said: “During a red weather warning, dog owners should think of it like a temporary lockdown for their pets. For the next 24-48 hours, routines need to immediately change.
“This isn’t the time for walks, chasing the ball or playing fetch, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise. It’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating, or heatstroke.”
The charity says one of the biggest dangers is treating extreme heat like an ordinary summer day, warning that all dogs are at risk regardless of breed or how much they appear to enjoy lying in the sun.
Owners are being advised to keep homes cool, provide plenty of fresh water, use fans or damp towels where possible, and move small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters away from direct sunlight.
The RSPCA is also urging people to avoid walking dogs during the hottest part of the day and to use the “pavement test” before going outside – if the ground is too hot to hold a hand on for five seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws.
The warning also extends to vehicles, with the charity repeating its long-running message that “dogs die in hot cars”. The public is being urged to call 999 immediately if they see a dog in distress inside a hot vehicle.
According to RSPCA polling, only 58 per cent of the public said they would not leave their dog in a car on a warm day – a figure the charity says shows many people still underestimate the danger.
As part of the response, Welsh road users may see “Dogs Die in Hot Cars” messages displayed on variable road signs in the coming days.
Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper MS said Wales was proud to continue using the warnings on trunk roads during periods of extreme weather.
He said: “I hope this message reaches thousands of motorists across Wales and encourages every dog owner to think twice before leaving their pet in a vehicle during warm weather.”
The RSPCA is also asking members of the public to look out for wildlife and neighbours’ pets by leaving out shallow bowls of water and checking animals are coping in the heat.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy and a loss of coordination. In an emergency, owners are advised to move the animal into shade, cool them with water, increase airflow and contact a vet immediately.
