Dog owners across Wales are being urged to put their pets on a “lockdown” for the next two days as the country braces for some of its highest temperatures on record.
RSPCA Cymru says the safest thing owners can do during the red extreme heat warning is keep dogs indoors, cool and calm — and skip walks altogether if needed.
The charity is calling for a “dog lockdown” for the next 24 to 48 hours, warning that treating the heatwave like an ordinary summer day is one of the biggest risks to pets.
The warning lands as a Met Office red extreme heat warning covers Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C.
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth earlier urged the public to heed the warnings, saying Wales could see its highest temperatures ever over the two days.
The same warning has already forced hundreds of schools to close or move lessons online across the region.
Lauren Bennett, a dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said the arrival of the heat meant owners needed to act now.
“During a red weather warning, dog owners should think of it like a temporary lockdown for their pets,” she said.
“For the next 24-48 hours, routines need to immediately change. This isn’t the time for walks, chasing the ball or playing fetch.”
She said it was far better for a dog to miss a few walks than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating or heatstroke.
The charity is also repeating its long-standing warning that “dogs die in hot cars” — and says anyone who sees a dog shut in a hot vehicle should call 999 immediately.
It warns that cars, trains, ferries and caravans can all become dangerously hot, and points to its own polling suggesting almost half of people still underestimate the risk of leaving a dog in a car on a warm day.
Welsh motorists may again see “Dogs Die in Hot Cars” alerts on roadside signs over the coming days, with the Welsh Government the first UK administration to use its variable message signs in this way back in 2019.
Mark Hooper, the Deputy Minister for Transport, confirmed the warning would return to the trunk road network during the hot spell.
“Wales was the first country in the UK to use signage in this way, and I’m proud that we continue to lead the way in helping to protect animals’ lives,” he said.
The RSPCA’s advice for the next few days includes finding the coolest rooms in the house, closing off conservatories and using fans or damp towels to bring the temperature down.
It suggests placing extra water bowls around the home, freezing puzzle toys or treats for cooling mental stimulation, and moving rabbit and guinea pig pens into the shade.
Owners are advised to limit any exercise to the coolest parts of the day, and to use the “pavement test” — if you can’t hold your hand on the ground for five seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws.
The charity says the signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, drooling, vomiting or uncoordinated movement. In an emergency, it advises moving the animal into shade, pouring cool water over its body, providing air flow and contacting a vet immediately.
