Pet owners issued urgent warning for common hack that could be dangerous
With the UK set to sizzle in 30C heat this week, a dog owner has shared a stark warning about the dangers of spraying your pet with cold water to cool them down
As we toast to an early onset of summer, it's important to spare a thought for our furry pals who might find the balmy climate a bit too sizzling. With thermometers set to rocket up to a sweltering 30C this week, the UK finds itself in the grip of an extraordinary heatwave for this time of year.
Pet pooches everywhere are in for a tough time, and dog lovers are being prompted to step up their game to shield their canine companions. Buzzing across social media is one particular piece of advice taking TikTok by storm – and it comes with a twist.
The account by @buddy_the_brown_labrador, showcaser of a stunning chocolate Labrador, has thrown out some summer survival hacks in a TikTok clip that's snagged over 31,000 appreciative nods.
According to the owner, blasting your furry mate with cold water could backfire.
"It may seem like the right thing to do," the owner explains, "but spraying your dog with cold water can actually make them retain more heat. It causes the capillaries under their skin to close, which stops the cooling process."
Instead, what this savvy pet owner suggests is giving the dogs a little dunk in a paddling pool or a shallow soaker, targeting those vital heat-releasing zones - namely paws and gums.
For those embarking on daily dog-walking duties, the video advises steering clear of the midday furnace. Opt instead for an early jaunt pre-7am or a late-night stroll past 10pm, dodging the day's peak heat.
Max out the air-con if it's at hand, making sure your doggie doesn't wander outside too much throughout the peak heat daytime.
If there's a chillier spot in your abode, move your mutt there stat.
Also make sure you are offering plenty of fresh water, shade, and regular brushing to remove insulating fur to help combat the heat.
TikTok pet owners have thanked the original poster after admitting they have been unknowingly exposing their beloved animals to harm.
One concerned pet parent commented: "Omg I had no idea. We always put our dog in our unheated pool thinking we were helping. Thank you for this."
Another chimed in with a heartfelt: "Very important information. Thank you for sharing."
The RSPCA has singled out certain dogs as most vulnerable in a heatwave - those in poor health, those adorable flat-faced pooches like pugs and bulldogs, and thick-furred breeds such as German Shepherds.
This charity is prompting pet parents to keep pets safe by choosing shaded walk routes and carrying a portable water bottle to offer drinks at quarter-hour intervals.
And remember, if the pavement's scorching, your pawed pal would much prefer a grassy stroll.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Four reasons why UK heatwaves always feel hotter than the same 30C heat abroad
A UK heatwave feels more intense than hot weather abroad due to several factors. Experts explain exactly why this is the case as the Met Office forecasts 34C temperatures for parts of England If you've ever wondered why 25°C in the UK feels like a sauna compared to the same temperature abroad, don't worry, many others have also wondered the same. It's not just all in your head, and it actually might be a legitimate grievance. According to NHS doctor Dr Karan Raj, there are some very real and logical reasons why heatwaves in Britain feel so unbearable – and it's not just because we're not used to it. Taking to TikTok, Dr Raj known online as @ explained why British heat hits differently and he laid out some key reasons why summer in the UK can feel like you're 'a roast barbecue pig'. The Met Office said the UK is set to reach highs of 34C this weekend, with large parts of the UK basking in temperatures around 30C. Humidity The first culprit? Humidity. British heat is often accompanied by high relative humidity, which is the amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum it can hold at a given temperature. When humidity is high, sweat doesn't evaporate as effectively – and that's a big problem for cooling down. "In the UK, the relative humidity is higher than in countries with dry heat. This makes it harder for our bodies to cool down because sweat doesn't evaporate as well. So you feel hot and sticky like a roast barbecue pig. This is why 35C in a dry climate can feel more comfortable than 25C in a place with high relative humidity." It's the reason why 35°C in a dry climate like Spain or Portugal might feel far more bearable than 25°C on a muggy day in the Midlands. Homes designed to trap heat Another reason Brits feel the burn? Our buildings are simply not built for the heat. 'In the UK, the buildings are designed to retain heat because the weather is usually cold, soggy and silly,' says Dr Raj. Great in the winter not so much during a summer scorcher. Most UK homes don't have air conditioning, and insulation that helps conserve warmth in the winter turns homes into mini greenhouses during a heatwave. By contrast, buildings in warmer countries are often designed to stay cool think thick walls, large windows, shutters, and heat-reflecting coatings. We're simply not set up for it The Met Office agrees that the UK isn't well equipped to handle high temperatures. Annie Shuttleworth, a Met Office meteorologist, told Stylist that how we experience heat at home versus abroad plays a huge role. 'When we experience heat abroad, we're usually on holiday, and may be close to a pool or the beach,' she says. And let's be honest lounging with a cocktail in hand feels a lot better than sweating through your morning commute. Meanwhile, air conditioning and heat-adapted buildings make a world of difference in southern Europe. Even at night, there's no relief. Without cooler night-time temperatures, our bodies don't get a chance to recover. How heat affects the body It's not all in your head, there's real science behind it. Heat loss relies on a temperature gradient between your body and the surrounding air. When it's hot and humid, that process becomes less efficient. "Sweating cools you down because when the water evaporates, it transfers energy away from your body. However, sweating is less effective if there is already a lot of moisture in the air," explains Dr Matthew Patterson, a meteorologist speaking to BBC Science Focus. But when the air is already saturated with moisture, sweat struggles to evaporate, making you feel even hotter. This is also why the UK sees heat-health alerts even when temperatures are in the low 30s. These levels might seem pleasant elsewhere, but they can cause serious disruption in the UK. Risk to life, wildfires, transport chaos, and power outages are all on the cards during a UK heatwave. How to keep cool The NHS advises staying out of the sun when possible, especially between 11am and 3pm. If you do need to head out, wear light clothing, a hat, and use sunscreen. At home, keep blinds and windows shut during the day and open them at night to let in cooler air. Drink plenty of fluids and consider taking a cool shower or dampening your clothes to help regulate your body temperature. If you're feeling dizzy, nauseous, or overly tired, these could be signs of heat exhaustion. Other symptoms include headaches, pale and clammy skin, muscle cramps, fast breathing or heartbeat, and extreme thirst.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- BBC News
RSPCA warns animal owners of 'huge risks' of heatwave
Animal welfare experts have reminded pet owners and farmers about the "huge risks" high temperatures pose to RSPCA said owners should learn how to keep their four-legged friends safe during the ongoing heatwave across Devon and charity reminded farmers pigs are susceptible to heat stress as they cannot easily cool down on their own, as are newly shorn sheep as they do not have fleeces to insulate them against the Bennett, RSPCA scientific and policy officer, said all animals needed shade and clean water in high temperatures and "taking the time now to identify how you can reduce your animal's risk, could just save their life". Ms Bennett said: "Sadly, while vets are seeing a surge in cases, some police forces have also reported an increase in officers attending calls about dogs in hot cars. "This can't continue."Ms Bennett said dog owners should check the "feels like" temperature forecast each day, add more water bowls around homes and walk their pets earlier and later in the day when temperatures were also reminded dog owners "if the ground is too hot to touch with your hand for five seconds, it's too hot for paws".She warned owners heatstroke could affect dogs which were older, larger, overweight, double-coated and those with potential breathing issues such as flat-faced breeds. The RSPCA reminded farmers livestock needed plenty of air in high temperatures, so ventilation was key and ideally they would reduce the number of animals in each charity suggested dairy farmers give their cows unlimited amounts of clean drinking water and milk them later in the day when it would be RSPCA said handling and transport put extra stress on animals which made it more difficult for them to cope with the charity advised farmers to avoid moving livestock in hot weather and at night if it was "absolutely necessary".Ms Bennett said owners who suspected their animals were suffering from heat stroke should get them cool as quickly as possible and contact their vet.
Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Pet owners issued urgent warning for common hack that could be dangerous
With the UK set to sizzle in 30C heat this week, a dog owner has shared a stark warning about the dangers of spraying your pet with cold water to cool them down As we toast to an early onset of summer, it's important to spare a thought for our furry pals who might find the balmy climate a bit too sizzling. With thermometers set to rocket up to a sweltering 30C this week, the UK finds itself in the grip of an extraordinary heatwave for this time of year. Pet pooches everywhere are in for a tough time, and dog lovers are being prompted to step up their game to shield their canine companions. Buzzing across social media is one particular piece of advice taking TikTok by storm – and it comes with a twist. The account by @buddy_the_brown_labrador, showcaser of a stunning chocolate Labrador, has thrown out some summer survival hacks in a TikTok clip that's snagged over 31,000 appreciative nods. According to the owner, blasting your furry mate with cold water could backfire. "It may seem like the right thing to do," the owner explains, "but spraying your dog with cold water can actually make them retain more heat. It causes the capillaries under their skin to close, which stops the cooling process." Instead, what this savvy pet owner suggests is giving the dogs a little dunk in a paddling pool or a shallow soaker, targeting those vital heat-releasing zones - namely paws and gums. For those embarking on daily dog-walking duties, the video advises steering clear of the midday furnace. Opt instead for an early jaunt pre-7am or a late-night stroll past 10pm, dodging the day's peak heat. Max out the air-con if it's at hand, making sure your doggie doesn't wander outside too much throughout the peak heat daytime. If there's a chillier spot in your abode, move your mutt there stat. Also make sure you are offering plenty of fresh water, shade, and regular brushing to remove insulating fur to help combat the heat. TikTok pet owners have thanked the original poster after admitting they have been unknowingly exposing their beloved animals to harm. One concerned pet parent commented: "Omg I had no idea. We always put our dog in our unheated pool thinking we were helping. Thank you for this." Another chimed in with a heartfelt: "Very important information. Thank you for sharing." The RSPCA has singled out certain dogs as most vulnerable in a heatwave - those in poor health, those adorable flat-faced pooches like pugs and bulldogs, and thick-furred breeds such as German Shepherds. This charity is prompting pet parents to keep pets safe by choosing shaded walk routes and carrying a portable water bottle to offer drinks at quarter-hour intervals. And remember, if the pavement's scorching, your pawed pal would much prefer a grassy stroll.
