A period of extreme heat across the UK this week has broken records for the hottest day and night temperatures ever recorded in June. As the mercury climbs, both humans and their pets are feeling the strain.
Hot weather can make you feel tired and lethargic during the day because you are using more energy to regulate your internal temperature. But if your sleep is disturbed at night, try to avoid napping during the day – feeling sleepy can be precious, save it for bedtime. Keep to your usual bedtime routine, close the curtains or blinds to keep out the sun, and shut windows on the sunny side of your home. Before bed, open all the windows to get a through breeze. Use thin cotton sheets to absorb sweat, and wear loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibres like cotton or linen – they can keep you cooler than sleeping naked. A small fan encourages the evaporation of sweat, making it easier for your body to regulate temperature. If you don't have a fan, try filling a hot water bottle with ice cold liquid, or cool socks in the fridge and put those on – cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body. Stay hydrated throughout the day but avoid drinking very large amounts before bed. Be careful with soft drinks: many contain large amounts of caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system and makes you feel more awake. Avoid too much alcohol as well – it might help you fall asleep but it promotes early morning waking and poorer quality sleep overall.
“Record June heatwave prompts sleep advice and Vets Now warning as dogs face fatal heatstroke risk.”
While humans can adapt, dogs face a more urgent threat. Unlike people, dogs cannot cool down through sweating, making it much harder for them to manage their body temperature. They cool off by panting, but that is not always enough. Vets Now has issued a warning about a significant increase in heatstroke emergencies among animals, with most owners unaware of the warning signs. Sadie Spencer, Principal Vet at Vets Now, said: "Heatstroke is one of the most serious emergencies we see in summer, and it can come on frighteningly fast – a dog can go from happily playing to a life-threatening emergency in a matter of minutes." It is generally safe to walk dogs when temperatures are up to 19°C. Once temperatures rise above this level, the risk of heatstroke increases. "The tricky thing in the UK is how quickly our weather changes; dogs need weeks to acclimatise to the heat, so a sudden warm spell catches a lot of them out," Spencer added.
To prevent overheating, owners are urged to try a simple five-second test: place the back of your hand on the pavement outdoors for five minutes. If it feels too warm to bear, it is too hot for your dog's paws. Walk dogs during the coolest times of day, such as early morning and evening. Heatstroke is not solely caused by physical activity – it can also occur when a dog is left in a space with poor ventilation, such as a car, which is why they should never be left unattended in vehicles, even for a few moments. Flat-faced breeds including bulldogs, pugs and shih tzus are most vulnerable, along with overweight dogs, elderly dogs, those with pre-existing health issues and breeds with dense double coats. If a dog displays signs of heatstroke, owners should move them to a cool, shaded spot, dampen them with cool – but not ice-cold – water, offer small amounts of water to drink, and contact their vet immediately. "Don't wait to see if they improve," Spencer said. "Start cooling them down and call us on the way – the sooner the better."