A pug named Gilbert died on Wednesday amid a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures reaching 36.1C (97F) in Hampshire, England. Gilbert's owner, Kellie-Jay Keen, a women's rights activist, stated that her dog had escaped from a cool kitchen and later died.
The incident prompted the RSPCA to reiterate its warnings to pet owners, describing the soaring temperatures as a "silent killer" for animals. Lauren Bennett, a dog welfare expert with the RSPCA, emphasized the importance of planning and preparation to prevent pet deaths during hot weather.
Pugs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke due to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition caused by their short skulls and compacted airways, which impairs their ability to breathe, exercise, and regulate body temperature. Keen shared that Gilbert had access to a fan, cold water, and ice cream, and had been hosed down, but she still expressed regret over potential missed precautions.
Heatwave Conditions and Animal Safety
The RSPCA advised owners to keep a close eye on their pets, avoid hot walks, and never leave dogs in vehicles. The charity recommended walking dogs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Owners should also watch for signs of heatstroke, such as limping, reluctance to walk, paw licking or chewing, darkened or missing paw pads, and blisters or redness.
Additional recommendations from the RSPCA include ensuring pets have access to shade, clean cold water, and can rest on damp towels. Grooming to remove excess hair and adding ice cubes to water bowls were also suggested. Bennett noted that nearly half of the public may underestimate the dangers of extreme heat for pets.
The heatwave has seen significant temperature records broken. On Wednesday, a new record of 36.1C was set in Hampshire, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6C from 1976. The Met Office projected highs of up to 40C on Thursday, approaching the all-time UK record of 40.3C from July 2022. Additionally, the UK experienced its warmest June night on record, with temperatures in Cardiff not dropping below 23.5C.
The extreme weather has led to widespread disruptions, including a hosepipe ban for nearly one million people in Kent, school closures, and cancelled train services. Commuters were urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. Transport networks faced significant disruptions, and the public was advised to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., keep windows and curtains closed, and stay hydrated. Over ten individuals were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses following a collision on the M25 in Surrey, which caused extensive traffic delays.