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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Seren Morris

Heatwave: How the UK’s pets are cooling down in record-breaking temperatures

The UK is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave as temperatures have reached 40C. Love or loathe the heat, it’s important to keep safe from the sun—and that includes our furry friends.

Our dogs and cats need our help to combat the heat, and loving owners have been doing the most to help keep them cool.

From paddling pools and dog-friendly ice cream, to wet towels and naps in front of fans, this is how the UK’s pets have been dealing with the weather this week.

Hughie, a seven-year-old Staffy cross from Stoke on Trent, cooled down with a wet towel and a doggy ice cream.

Sky, a black terrier who lives in a Dogs Trust shelter in Glasgow, enjoyed the heatwave from a paddling pool.

Winnie, a Border Terrier from East Yorkshire, had a dip in a paddling pool to cool her paws.

A bull terrier enjoyed a nice cool breeze from his fan while taking a nap.

Pushkin the cat had a cool off with a nap in the shade.

16-year-old Bella took a nap in front of a fan to combat the heat in South Wales.

Sue treated her dog to a paddling pool, set up in the shade to keep extra cool.

The Tired Paws foundation shared a photo of retired prison dogs Phoebe and Sirius bobbing for apple and carrot in their paddling pools.

Graeme Bandeira shared a video of his dog relaxing on the sofa in front of a fan.

Jon Southgate’s dog is cooling down by eating ice for lunch.

How to keep pets safe during the heatwave

There are a number of things we can do to help keep our pets cool during the heatwave.

One of the most important things is to keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If possible, avoid walking your dog or letting your pets out in the sun for long-periods of time between 10am and 4pm.

Not only will the sun be hot on their skin, but the tarmac could burn their feet.

Dog-owners may also think about applying dog-friendly sun cream to their pets, especially on their nose, ears, and bellies, where they may have less fur to protect them.

Finally, make sure your pets have plenty of access to shade and fresh water, and be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke in dogs, which can include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, excessive salivation, lack of coordination, and vomiting or diarrhoea.

How are your pets keeping cool in this weather? Share your pictures on Twitter and tag @EveningStandard.

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