By KLTV Newsdesk –

With an amber heat alert in force across large parts of England, the RSPCA is issuing urgent advice and tips to help keep pets and wildlife safe during the ongoing heatwave.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has placed five regions — East Midlands, South East, South West, East, and London — under amber alert from noon on Thursday, 27 June until 6 pm on Tuesday, 1 July.

A further two regions, Yorkshire and the Humber and the West Midlands, are under a yellow alert.

Danger Rising for Pets and Wildlife

As temperatures are set to climb to 30°C or higher, the RSPCA is urging the public to be vigilant.

The extreme heat poses serious risks to animals, from domestic pets to farm animals and native wildlife.

Carrie Stones, Campaign Manager at the RSPCA, said: “From today and over the weekend, we’re being warned by authorities that almost all regions in England will experience temperatures as hot as up to 30 degrees celsius, which is great for most of us, but for our pets, it can be a different story.

“It’s important we do everything we can to keep them cool and comfortable while the heat is here, and we’re urging animal lovers to share our best tips to help.

“It’s also a really helpful idea to support local wildlife too, by popping out some bowls of water to help birds, foxes and other wildlife.”

RSPCA’s Hot Weather Hacks for Pets

Here’s how pet owners can help their animals beat the heat:

• Make frozen dog treats or ice lollies from pet-safe ingredients

• Watch RSPCA’s video guide on keeping cats cool

• Use pet-safe sun cream to prevent sunburn

• Provide constant access to shade and fresh water

• Move hutches and outdoor enclosures as shade shifts through the day

• Offer fresh vegetable treats to guinea pigs

• Monitor pets like rabbits and poultry twice daily for flystrike

• Keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight

• Keep horses entertained indoors with boredom busters

• Provide cool surfaces like wrapped ice packs or damp towels for pets to lie on

• Hang a vegetable garland to keep chickens in the shade

• Add ice cubes to pet water bowls or freeze toys like kongs

• Supervise dogs with paddling pools or garden hoses

• Secure snake enclosures — reptiles can become escape artists in the heat

• Sign up for the RSPCA’s Cool Dog Summer online workshops

Help Wildlife This Summer

The RSPCA also encourages everyone, not just pet owners, to be mindful of wild animals:

• Leave shallow bowls of fresh water outside

• Take care when mowing lawns or strimming hedgerows

• Avoid toxic pesticides, or switch to wildlife-friendly alternatives

• Always check bonfires for sheltering animals before lighting

• Top up garden ponds and provide shade for pond life

• Don’t panic if you spot a snake — they’re likely just passing through

• Provide fresh, clean water in gardens for birds and small mammals

Spike in Heatstroke from Hot Cars

The warning also comes as new data reveals a disturbing rise in heatstroke cases among dogs left in vehicles.

The Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass research found that the proportion of dog heatstroke cases linked to hot vehicles nearly doubled from 6.3% in 2016–2018 to 11.2% in 2022–2023.

Support Animals This Summer

Summer should be a time of joy — long evening walks, beach adventures, and lazy afternoons in the garden. But for many animals, it’s a time of risk. Cruelty cases often rise with the temperature.

The RSPCA is calling on the public to support its Summer Cruelty Appeal:
👉 rspca.org.uk/endcruelty

For more pet cooling tips and videos, visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare.