The RSPCA is urging animal owners across East Yorkshire to take extra precautions this week as temperatures soar and an amber weather warning is issued for parts of the region
A dog drinks from a bowl in a heatwave(Image: Submitted)
As temperatures are set to soar across East Yorkshire this week, the RSPCA is urging animal owners to prepare their pets for the incoming heatwave. With many people planning weekend trips to the seaside, BBQs, and picnics, the RSPCA is reminding owners to prioritise their pets and keep them safe during hot weather.
Temperatures are set to rise and stay very warm through much of the week with highs in excess of 30C. An amber alert has been issued for part of the region by the Met Office which includes an area west of Hull including Goole and Snaith. The animal charity is encouraging owners to put everything they can in place now – from checking forecasts to planning cooler walking times – to ensure their dogs and other animals stay safe and comfortable.
The warning comes from the RSPCA’s animal welfare experts, aiming to highlight the importance of pet owners taking extra care of their animals during sunny spells and reminding owners everywhere the warning that ‘dogs die in hot cars’, and those who see a dog in a hot car should call 999 immediately. RSPCA welfare staff also warn that cars, trains, ferries and caravans all pose a risk.
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.
“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 the charity’s Summer of Kindness , the RSPCA is calling on everyone to be a lifeline for animals, asking people to check on their neighbours’ pets, leave out shallow bowls of water for struggling wildlife, and share these tips far and wide. A single kind act could save a life during this extreme heat.
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.” Highlighting heatstroke as a particular risk, Lauren 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 RSPCA is offering simple but effective advice which includes creating a cool home, limiting exercise during heatwaves, and memorising the signs of heatstroke in pets. One way of keeping a cool home is to identify the coolest rooms in your house, leaving out extra bowls of water, and moving rabbit and guinea pig pens to shaded areas, regularly refreshing their water.
The RSPCA advises owners to exercise their dogs when temperatures are lowest, usually at dawn or dusk. A simple ‘pavement test’ – if you can’t hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it will burn your dog’s paws – is a good indicator of when it’s too hot to walk your dog. Skipping walks for a few days could be better than taking them out when it’s too hot, the charity said.
Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting, or uncoordinated movement. In an emergency, move them to the shade, cover them in cool water, and call a vet immediately. You can sign up for health alerts here: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/seasonal-advice/heat-health-alert-service
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here.