As the UK braces for a sunny bank holiday weekend, Battersea is issuing an urgent warning to owners of flat-faced dog and cat breeds to keep their pets indoors and stay alert for signs of heatstroke.

Shaun Opperman, Veterinary Director at Battersea, said: “The kind of temperatures we’re expecting this bank holiday weekend is a welcome surprise to most, but they can be life-threatening for certain dogs and cats. Flat-faced breeds, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, often struggle to breathe in temperatures as low as 20°C, making them far more susceptible to heat-related illness and heatstroke. Similarly, dogs with thick coats, such as Chow Chows, are at a higher risk of overheating due to their dense fur. With much of the country forecast to reach 28°C or higher this weekend, it’s extremely important that owners take precautionary steps to avoid any issues on what’s going to be the hottest day of the year so far.”

To keep pets safe during the heatwave, Battersea is advising owners to:

1. Keep pets indoors during peak temperatures: During peak temperatures, indoor environments are far easier to regulate. Close curtains to block direct sunlight, use fans for air movement, and create cool resting areas with tiled floors or damp towels.

2. Avoid walking dogs during the hottest parts of the day: For flat faced dogs, even short walks in warm weather can trigger breathing difficulties. Restrict exercise to early morning or late evening, avoid strenuous activity entirely, and monitor breathing closely.

3. Ensure pets have constant access to fresh water and shaded areas: Provide multiple water bowls around the home and garden, refresh them frequently, and ensure pets can always retreat to shaded, well ventilated areas. Consider adding ice cubes to water bowls to help maintain cooler temperatures.

4. Provide gentle, alternative ways for pets to burn energy: Replace outdoor exercise with safe indoor activities such as puzzle feeders, scent based games, gentle training sessions, or frozen treats. These keep pets mentally stimulated without raising their body temperature.

Heatstroke can be fatal if not treated quickly so pet owners are advised to watch for warning signs and changes in behaviour.

Signs of heatstroke in dogs:

• Heavy panting

• Lethargy or collapse

• Loss of coordination or confusion

• Excessive drooling or foaming

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Shaking, weakness, or seizures

Signs of heatstroke in cats:

• Agitation

• Stretching out and breathing rapidly

• Extreme distress

• Skin hot to the touch

• Glazed eyes

• Vomiting and drooling

If your pet shows any signs of heatstroke, contact a vet immediately. Acting fast can save your pet’s life.

For more advice on how to keep your dogs and cats cool in the heat, please visit: https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice

- Ends -

Notes to editors

• For further information, interviews or images please contact the Battersea Press Office at press@battersea.org.uk

• At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.

• In 2025 Battersea directly cared for 1,989 dogs and 1,745 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.

• In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Brands Hatch, Kent and in Old Windsor, Berkshire.

• To find out more visit Battersea’s website or follow Battersea on Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea

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