UKHSA yellow heat-health alerts are in place across large parts of England until Saturday 11 July, the third heatwave of the summer.

Dr Caroline Allen FRCVS, founder of independent second-opinion veterinary service Pet Lighthouse and former RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer, has a clear message for dog owners: the risk hasn't gone down just because the heat feels familiar.

“The advice everyone repeats is “dogs die in hot cars”, and that's true. But the heatstroke cases I've treated were dogs out in the park, or playing fetch in the garden. Evidence shows that three quarters of cases in the UK were triggered by exercise. Heatstroke is a genuine medical emergency- dangerous, distressing, and in serious cases is expensive to treat. Recovery isn't guaranteed,” says Dr Allen.

“A dog pacing round the house, chewing things they shouldn't because they are bored is distressing for everyone. But grabbing the lead or throwing a ball because that's the normal fix isn't the answer in this heat. It's a good time to try something different."

Her call to owners is simple: find ways to engage a bored dog that don't rely on exertion.

“It doesn't have to be the ball again. Scent games, food puzzles, calm training - these tire a dog out mentally without raising their body temperature. This shift also helps you build a stronger bond with your dog, heatwave or not,” she adds.

Pet Lighthouse offers independent, whole-animal second-opinion consultations focused on pets' quality of life and owner wellbeing. Consultations can be booked directly, or owners can start with a free 10-minute exploratory call.

Website: www.petlighthouse.co.uk