26/05/2026
🌡️ UK temperatures are hitting 30°C+ this week! 🌡️
Did you miss our recent talk by Vet Louise at Woof Wag about keeping your pets safe in the heat? Don’t worry, here’s a quick reminder on how to help your dog stay cool and avoid dangerous heatstroke. 🐶☀️
Remember the COOL DOG checklist:
🧊 C – Cool areas
Make sure your dog always has access to shade, cool rooms, or cooling mats. Dampen the paws with cool water to the belly, underside, paws, armpits and groin to help bring their temperature down and use fans to cool them down.
💧 O – Offer water
Fresh, cool water should always be available. You can add ice to it, or try putting fruit in the water to encourage hydration.
🚫 O – Only walk at cooler times
Early mornings or late evenings are safest. If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws! Missing a walk is fine if it means your dog is safe
🌬️ L – Limit exercise
Most cases of heatstroke are caused by exercise, this includes walks! Avoid strenuous walks, running, or play during the hot period. Keep cats inside where possible.
🚗 D – Don’t leave dogs in cars
Not even for a few minutes. Cars can become dangerously hot very quickly.
👀 O – Observe for signs of heatstroke
Heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, wobbliness, or collapse are emergencies.
🩺 G – Get veterinary help immediately
If you’re worried your pet may be overheating, get your dog wet and contact us straight away.
Some dogs are especially at risk in hot weather, including brachycephalic breeds, older pets, overweight dogs, and those with concurrent medical problems.
Researchers concluded that brachycephalic ('flat-faced') breeds are particularly vulnerable because their shortened airways make panting and cooling less effective.
A large UK study of more than 900,000 dogs found these relative increases in heatstroke risk compared with Labrador Retriever:
- Bulldog - about 14× higher risk (≈1,300% increase)
- French Bulldog - about 6× higher risk (≈500% increase)
- Pug - about 3× higher risk (≈200% increase)
Stay safe, stay cool, and give your pets plenty of rest during this heatwave ☀️🐾
Here's some photos of how our team has been keeping their pets cool!
