'Look after your dogs this weekend', urges Rutland pet expert
A 30C heatwave is set to hit parts of the UK
Last updated 9th Jun 2023
Pet experts in Rutland are urging us to look out for our dogs this weekend, with temperatures expected to hit highs of 30c.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office’s alert for the heatwave is in place from 9am on Friday until Monday morning.
Jayne Saville, from K9 Country Walks in Oakham, says some dogs are more at risk of overheating, but there's simple tips and tricks to make sure all dogs are happy in the heat:
'Flat face dogs like Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Pugs, Boston Terriers - they tend to have smaller airways, narrower nostrils and larger tongues so they find it particularly hard.
'Dogs with thick coats like Newfoundlands, Old English Sheepdogs, they struggle too. Dogs need to be able to pant to cool themselves down.'
Tips and tricks to keep your dogs cool in the heat:
- Walk dogs late evening and early morning
- Walk in the shade in the woods or somewhere ideally with access to water so dogs can have a paddle
- Dogs release heat through their paw pads, so if they can paddle, they can cool down
- Give them access to drinking water at all times
- A nice shady garden, with a paddling pool, is ideal
- If you have a cool floor in the house they'll love to lie down there - if not you can buy a cooling mat
The first heat health alert this year
A hot weekend with temperatures of 30c has led to the year’s first heat health alert.
The warning covers six regions in England: London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and the South West.
Parts of the country are predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife over the weekend as a “plume of warm air” moves in from the south.
Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid.
There will “likely” be some impacts across the health and social care sector if forecasted temperatures are reached, the UKHSA said, with over-65s and those with pre-existing health conditions most at risk.
"Our first sustained period of hot weather"
Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
The Met Office defines a heatwave as when a location records a period for at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
The threshold varies by UK county.
Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south.
“Temperatures over the weekend could peak (at) around 30C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.
“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption for some from late on Friday and into the weekend.”
Tips on sleeping in hot weather
1) Cool your sheets
While it would be great to put all of your bedding in the fridge or freezer before you go to bed, a cool over-sheet or cool pillow cases will help. Stick them in a plastic bag and then in your fridge or freezer for around 10 minutes before you go to bed and they will cool you down.
2) Sleep alone
Even if you normally share your bed with your significant other, body heat can make a hot night even hotter. Maybe it's time for one of you to sleep in the spare room for the night.
3) Tepid shower
Don't be fooled into having a cold shower, a tepid shower is better at lowering your body temperature. If you have a cold shower your body can overcompensate and make you even hotter!
4) Avoid alcohol
Although it's very tempting to enjoy a cold alcoholic drink when it comes to bedtime you might regret it as alcohol dehydrates.
5) DIY air conditioning
When a simple fan isn't enough to cool you down, try filling a pan or bowl with ice cubes and putting that in front of the fan. The fan's breeze will then create a cooling mist.
6) Use sheets instead of a duvet
Get rid of your winter duvet and maybe even your summer duvet, swapping it for a thin sheet to keep you cool.
7) Cool your feet
Dipping your feet in a bucket of cold water before you go to sleep can help cool down your body, but make sure you don't spill it or get water all over your bed!
8) Windows and curtains
Make sure you keep the windows and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out and then open them when it's cooler. This will help circulate the cooler air.
9) Drink plenty of water
Aim to drink at least two litres of fluids a day if you can, stay away from caffeine and alcohol.
10) Cool your pulse points
Put a cold flannel on your wrist and neck to cool down your body.
11) Cold water bottle
We've all heard of a hot water bottle, why not do the same with cold water when it's hot weather. Alternatively you could use an icepack in towel. However, remember not to put ice directly onto your skin!
12) Fan cross flow
If you have a fan or blow heater then put it on the cool setting and create a cross flow. Point it so that the warm air at the back is pushed out of an open window, that way it will keep your room cool.