Hot dogs and cool cats – pet owners given heatwave advice

A charity made famous by Channel 4’s series The Dog House has been sharing tips on keeping pets cool during the hot weather.

Woodgreen Pets Charity, based in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, hosts the popular rehoming show.

With temperatures set to reach more than 30C and England under an amber heat warning, Jody Geary, the charity’s senior operations manager, said keeping animals cool was “a top priority”.

She said all their enclosures had air conditioning and dogs were walked only in the early mornings or evenings, when it was cooler.

“To beat the heat, we take dogs for walks early in the morning when temperatures are at their lowest,” Ms Geary said.

“Throughout the day, activities are kept low-impact and take place either indoors in air-conditioned rooms or in well-shaded outdoor areas.

“Many of our dogs also enjoy splashing in cool water paddling pools, and we treat our pets to frozen, edible snacks to help them stay refreshed.”

People could use similar methods to keep their own pets cool at home, she said.

“This includes simple measures such as walking your dog between 05:00 and 07:00 or in the late evening; moving outdoor small pet enclosures to a shaded part of your garden; and placing extra plant pots and cat-friendly plants around your garden for additional shade for cats.”

She said homes could be kept cooler by keeping curtains closed during the day.

“Glass acts as a radiator and the sunshine bursting through your house can quickly heat up a room. Switch on a fan to circulate as much cool air as possible and keep the hot air out,” she said.

The RSPCA has also issued advice, saying “the soaring temperatures can pose huge risks to pets, wildlife and farm animals”.

Carrie Stones, the charity’s campaign manager, said: “It’s important we do everything we can to keep them cool and comfortable while the heat is here.”

Some of its tips include filling a paddling pool or spraying a hose for your dog to play in – although you should always supervise them around water.

Fish tanks should be kept out of direct sunlight and outdoor animals should be provided with shade and plenty of fresh water.

“It’s also a really helpful idea to support local wildlife, too, by popping out some bowls of water to help birds, foxes and other wildlife,” said Ms Stones.