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24
Jun
RSPCA calls for ‘dog lockdown’ as temperatures soar
The RSPCA has called for a two-day ‘dog lockdown’, as temperatures are set to exceed 30 degrees in the Harrogate district.
An amber weather warning for extreme heat is in place across the district today (June 24) and tomorrow. The pollen count is also very high.
The animal welfare charity said this morning a lockdown would safeguard pets by keeping them indoors and away from the extreme heat.
Lauren Bennet, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA and a former veterinary nurse, 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, or exposing pooches to energetic exercise. It’s far better for dogs to miss a few walks completely than to suffer the potentially fatal consequences of overheating, or heatstroke.
These temperatures won't last forever, but the decisions owners make over the next couple of days could have a lasting impact on their pets. For now, the message is simple: pause normal routines, prioritise keeping pets cool and comfortable, and wait until temperatures ease before returning to business as usual.
According to the Met Office, local temperatures could reach 30 degrees today and peak at 32 degrees on Friday.
The RSPCA and the company inspiring vet care released new figures showing their vets dealt with 355 incidents related to suspected heatstroke in 2025, with 66% (234) of all cases over the summer months.
The charity urged owners to change their normal routines and adopt these five tips:
- 1 Move exercise to the coolest possible times - or skip it altogether
These are not normal summer temperatures and for many dogs, missing a walk for a day or two is far safer than risking overheating. If you don’t have access to a garden, nip your dogs out briefly to the nearest grassy area for them to toilet and head straight back into the cool.
- 2 Swap physical exercise for mental stimulation
Your dog may naturally want to sleep more during hot weather, but when they are awake you can encourage them to use puzzle feeders and snuffle mats, or play calm gentle training games and scent work indoors. This can be a great temporary substitute for outdoor time.
- 3 Create cool zones throughout the home
Keeping your home as cool as possible is key. Close curtains on sunny rooms, use fans safely, provide access to cooler floors and let dogs choose where they rest. Consider laying out a special dog cooling mat, or a cold damp towel, for your dog to lie on.
- 4 Refresh water regularly and offer it in multiple locations
Instead of having just one bowl of water available, offer fresh water throughout the day in multiple bowls around the home and garden. You can consider adding one or two iice cubes where appropriate.
- 5 Keep air moving
A breeze can work wonders to make your dog (and you!) feel more comfortable and ease the discomfort of extreme heat. Open windows when safe to create airflow through the home. Use fans where suitable and close off stuffy conservatories and enclosed spaces.
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