Overview

• In Aylesbury, three dogs were freed by police after being left in a car that reached dangerous temperatures within minutes.
• The UK Health Security Agency’s amber alert warns that 30°C heatwave conditions pose serious health threats to pets as well as people.
• Veterinary experts stress that dogs cannot cool themselves effectively through sweating and can suffer fatal heatstroke even with cracked windows.
• Symptoms such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, vomiting or collapse require immediate cooling measures and veterinary attention.
• Owners should use the five-second pavement test, provide constant access to water and shade, avoid outdoor exercise during peak heat and be especially cautious with flat-faced, elderly or overweight animals.