The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has issued a warning to pet owners: placing damp towels directly over an overheated dog can dangerously trap heat and worsen their condition during severe heatwaves.
As parts of the United Kingdom approach 40 degrees Celsius under a powerful European heat dome, extreme heat alerts have prompted animal welfare experts to clarify proper cooling methods.
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The Met Office recently issued red extreme heat warnings for only the second time since 2021, with scientists projecting potential mid-forty-degree temperatures by 2050.
According to the charity Tyla, the RSPCA highlighted that dogs do not sweat like humans and rely heavily on panting to cool themselves down.
To safely utilize wet towels, the organization advised placing them underneath the animal rather than draping them over the body, ensuring the fabric is rewetted frequently.
"Don't place damp towels directly over the dog's body, as this can trap heat and worsen their condition," warned the RSPCA.
Heatstroke: A Fast-Moving Emergency
The organization emphasized that heatstroke is a fast-developing, life-threatening emergency.
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High-risk categories include flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, giant breeds, thick-coated northern breeds, and elderly dogs, while hot pavement poses an additional threat by burning canine paws.
"When a dog gets too hot and can't lower its temperature by panting, it can develop heatstroke," the organization stated.
"This can be fatal, so you need to act fast to reduce their body temperature first, then get help."
To prevent emergencies, the RSPCA recommends checking pavement heat with the back of a hand and shifting walks to cooler early mornings or late evenings.
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Additional coping mechanisms outlined by the Dogs Trust include utilizing cooling mats, indoor training games, scent work, puzzle toys, and adding ice cubes to water bowls.
