The RSPCA is calling for an immediate routine change for dog owners during the next 48 hours – as a red weather warning remains in place for heat across England and Wales.
The charity’s animal welfare experts are recommending a ‘dog lockdown’ for the next two days amid the red weather warnings – to safeguard pets by keeping them indoors and away from the extreme heat.
The call comes as the Met Office has warned the peak of the current heatwave is forecast for today and tomorrow (Weds and Thurs), with temperatures potentially climbing to 39°C (102°F) or more.
Pause the routine – at least for now
Lauren Bennet, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA and a former veterinary nurse, 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.
“One of the biggest risks during periods of extreme heat is treating them like any other summer day. We’re urging dog owners to make this a Summer of Kindness – and focus on keeping dogs cool, comfortable and calm at home until temperatures start to ease. Fresh water, air flow, shade and mental enrichment can make all the difference during this intense period of extreme heat.”
Five things dog owners can do right now
The charity says owners should be ready to change their normal routines and prioritise keeping pets cool, calm and comfortable until temperatures ease, and offers these five tips:
1. Move exercise to the coolest possible times – or skip it altogether
These are not normal summer temperatures and for many dogs, missing a walk for a day or two is far safer than risking overheating.
If you don’t have access to a garden, nip your dogs out briefly to the nearest grassy area for them to toilet and head straight back into the cool.
2. Swap physical exercise for mental stimulation
Your dog may naturally want to sleep more during hot weather, but when they are awake you can encourage them to use puzzle feeders and snuffle mats, or play calm gentle training games and scent work indoors. This can be a great temporary substitute for outdoor time.
The heat could also potentially make dogs more irritable or frustrated, so be sure to keep an eye on their body language and give them space to allow them to keep cool on their own terms.
3. Create cool zones throughout the home
Keeping your home as cool as possible is key. Close curtains on sunny rooms, use fans safely, provide access to cooler floors and let dogs choose where they rest.
Consider laying out a special dog cooling mat, or a cold damp towel, for your dog to lie on.
4. Refresh water regularly and offer it in multiple locations
Instead of having just one bowl of water available, offer fresh water throughout the day in multiple bowls around the home and garden.
You can consider adding one or two ice cubes where appropriate.
5. Keep air moving
A breeze can work wonders to make your dog (and you!) feel more comfortable and ease the discomfort of extreme heat. Open windows when safe to create airflow through the home.
Use fans where suitable and close off stuffy conservatories and enclosed spaces.
Lauren added,
“These temperatures won’t last forever, but the decisions owners make over the next couple of days could have a lasting impact on their pets.
“For now, the message is simple: pause normal routines, prioritise keeping pets cool and comfortable, and wait until temperatures ease before returning to business as usual.”
Signs of heatstroke – and why speed matters
The charity is reminding dog owners to be aware of the signs of heatstroke in dogs, which can be a ‘silent killer’ if not prevented, or treated immediately.
The RSPCA and inspiring vet care – the UK’s largest veterinary group, have released new figures showing that their vets dealt with 355 incidents related to suspected heatstroke in 2025, with 66% (234) of all cases over the summer months; that’s more than two incidents a day.
The RSPCA is urging people to choose kindness this summer and make a difference for animals.
By joining the charity’s Summer of Kindness, animal lovers can take on Seven Acts of Kindness that are easy, family-friendly and make a real difference.
News shared by Suzanne on behalf of the national RSPCA. Ed
