Temperatures have been predicted to soar this weekend but experts say it is essential to take some steps to keep your pet safe11:48, 21 May 2026Updated 11:49, 21 May 2026Dog owners are being urged to follow a five-second rule to keep their pet safe this weekend. The Met Office has warned the UK could see "an exceptional spell of hot weather" over the coming May Bank Holiday weekend and into next week.‌Deputy Chief Forecaster, Greg Wolverson, said: “A very warm period of weather will develop through the weekend and into next week for much of the UK. High pressure will be in charge of the UK’s weather over the bank holiday weekend and this should bring fine and settled conditions to most areas.‌"The exception will be parts of northwestern Scotland where it will be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times. There is also a small risk of some thunder in the south late on Friday into Saturday." Temperatures are expected to peak at around 28°C or 29°C over the weekend in England and Wales, with a good chance of reaching 30°C in the southeast."‌However, while many enjoy soaring temperatures, it can be hard on pets. Alison Thomas, Head of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross, previously told The Mirror : “While we enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, it’s important to make sure our pets are kept safe. They can overheat very quickly, and this can sometimes be extremely dangerous - even fatal."She recommended walking dogs when temperatures are cooler such as early in the morning or late evening while finding ways to keep them stimulated inside if they usually need a lot of exercise. And she shared a "five-second test" to help keep your pet safe.‌She said it was important to check if pavements are too hot for paws and explained the easy way to do it. She said: "Simply take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the pavement. If it’s too hot for you to stand there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog."Cooling down your dogBlue Cross offered other advice for pet owners on keeping their dogs cool in the sunshine. It includes:Keep them hydrated - give your dog plenty of opportunities to drink cool, fresh water. Place multiple bowls in different spots around the house and in the garden. You can also put ice cubes in their water to keep it coldLet your dog rest - in temperatures above 20 degrees celsius, you may need to limit exercise altogether. Even temperatures cooler than this can still affect overweight or flat-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds. Many dogs will want to rest so give them plenty of space and avoid over-excitementUse a paddling pool - place it in a shady spot and fill it halfway with cold – but not freezing – water, and add some of your dog’s favourite toys to encourage them. Dampening their coat also provides effective cooling. However if they get very excited in a paddling pool it's possible they can overheat in the water so monitor your dog carefully and remove the pool if they're getting over-excitedHave cooling mats for them to lie on or alternatively use ice packs wrapped in a tea towel or blanket and place in their bedUse cooling coats and collars - these offer long-lasting cold effects and while they can be pricy they are useful for dogs who still need exercise in warmer temperaturesGet a fan and place it next to where they normally lie. Add frozen water bottles in front of it to cool the breeze furtherPlay with cooling toys - pop their favourite toy in the freezer. Alternatively, some toys are made to be filled with water and frozen which helps them stay cooler for longerUse water mists and garden sprinklers to help cool themBe careful in hot cars - cars can become excessively hot is a short space of time. It warns: "Never leave your dog in a car, even if only for a moment." It adds if you are travelling with your dog make sure you have water and a bowl with you, roll down the windows slightly or turn on air conditioning and make sure you schedule stops to allow your dog to cool down and have a drink‌Insure Your Paws pet insurers also issued advice on keeping your pet safe in the hot weather. It shared a different way to test the five-second rule by using your hand and pressing it against the pavement for five seconds.It advised: "Ditch the lunchtime walks. Stick to early morning or evenings when the ground has cooled down and always use the five-second test before you head out. If the pavement hurts your hand, it’ll burn your dog’s paws."‌It also warned to treat your scorching conservatory like your car. It said: "Never leave a pet in a hot car or conservatory - This one really can’t be stressed enough."On a 22°C day, the inside of a parked car can hit a deadly 47°C within an hour. Conservatories and sun-drenched garden spots are just as dangerous. Always make sure your pet has shade and fresh air."And it had other advice for the warmer weather, saying: "Don’t forget flea treatments - fleas and ticks love warm weather and multiply fast. Keeping up with regular treatments will save your pet unnecessary misery and save you the cost of dealing with a full-blown infestation."‌HeatstrokeFinally it warned to watch for heatstroke advising: "Unlike humans, dogs and cats can’t sweat. They cool themselves by panting, but when the temperature gets close to their body temperature, panting stops working."Flat-nosed breeds such as Pugs or Persian cats are most at risk, as the heat makes it harder for them to breath and pant properly. Early warning signs include heavy panting, restlessness, excess drooling, and loss of co-ordination. If you spot these, get your pet to a cool spot, give them water and call your vet straight away."Blue Cross also had a warning of symptoms to watch for that could show your dog has heatstroke. It explained: "Heatstroke most commonly happens to dogs that are exercising in hot weather.Article continues below"It can be fatal and requires urgent veterinary attention." Signs of heatstroke include:collapselethargyexcessive pantingvomiting or diarrhoeapurple gums and redness of the skinIt added: "If you think your dog has heatstroke, move them somewhere cool with a draught and out of direct sunlight. Wet their coat with cool tap water and go straight to the vet. If possible, offer them a small amount of water to drink and continue to cool them with car air conditioning while you transport them."