RSPCA Warns Owners as Heat Claims Dog’s Life

A pet pug has died during an intense heatwave in the UK, prompting renewed warnings from the RSPCA about the dangers that extreme temperatures pose to animals, particularly flat-faced dog breeds.

Women’s rights campaigner Kellie-Jay Keen announced on social media that her beloved pug, Gilbert, had passed away after leaving the cool kitchen while she was away from home. Sharing her grief, she wrote that despite efforts to keep him comfortable with cool water, a fan, ice cream, and being hosed down, the dog wandered into a hot part of the garden and did not survive.

In a later post, Keen described the emotional aftermath, saying she was left wondering whether additional measures—such as providing a paddling pool—might have made a difference. She noted that Gilbert had previously coped with hot weather without any problems, making the loss even more difficult to understand.

The incident comes as the RSPCA has urged pet owners to take extra precautions during the ongoing heatwave. The charity warned that high temperatures can become a “silent killer” for pets if owners underestimate the risks.

Flat-faced breeds such as pugs are especially vulnerable because they often suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a condition caused by shortened skulls and narrowed airways. The disorder makes it harder for these dogs to breathe, exercise, and regulate their body temperature, significantly increasing the risk of heatstroke.

Lauren Bennett, a registered veterinary nurse and dog welfare expert with the RSPCA, stressed that preparation is essential during periods of extreme heat. She advised owners to avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day, never leave pets inside parked vehicles, and remember that caravans, trains, and ferries can also become dangerously hot.

The charity recommends exercising dogs only during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Owners should also ensure pets always have access to fresh, cool water, shaded areas, and cool resting places. Additional measures include placing ice cubes in water bowls, grooming excess fur, and providing damp towels for pets to lie on.

The RSPCA also encouraged owners to watch for signs of heat-related illness or injuries, including reluctance to walk, excessive licking or chewing of the paws, redness or blistering of paw pads, and other symptoms that may require immediate veterinary attention.

The warning coincides with record-breaking temperatures across the UK, where highs have exceeded 36°C in some areas and forecasters warned temperatures could approach 40°C. The extreme weather has disrupted transport services, prompted school closures, triggered hosepipe bans in some regions, and led authorities to advise people to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

Animal welfare experts say the recent tragedy serves as a reminder that even well-cared-for pets can be at serious risk during extreme heat, particularly breeds with breathing difficulties, making vigilance and preventative measures essential.