Gardeners' World star Monty Don has shared an update on his beloved dog - golden retriever Ned - and how he's faring in the wake of another sweltering heatwave in the UK16:33, 14 Jul 2026Popular gardening expert Monty Don has given fans an update on how his beloved dog Ned is coping as record-breaking heatwaves continue to grip the British summer, with followers left declaring "poor baby". The warmer weather typically offers a welcome reprieve from the grey skies and bitter temperatures so often associated with the UK, leaving many people eager to make the most of their gardens and outdoor spaces. But the scorching conditions have left plenty of us struggling to keep cool.‌Our pets are feeling the strain too, with dogs particularly susceptible to serious health risks in the heat. All dogs require regular exercise and, for most owners, this means daily walks - yet in the heat, there's a very real danger of your dog developing heatstroke.‌The RSPCA states: "When a dog gets too hot and can't lower its temperature by panting, it can develop heatstroke. This can be fatal, so you need to act fast to reduce their body temperature first, then get help."‌Famed horticulturist, broadcaster and writer Monty Don recently posted a video of his much-loved golden retriever Ned, filmed in his garden. As with many in his field, Monty frequently shares tips and guidance on social media, regularly posting photographs from his garden and offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the work he's undertaken to get the very best from his outdoor space.The gardening expert also runs a blog, where he writes extensively about plants, flowers and more, alongside personal stories and anecdotes. In a clip posted to Instagram, Ned can be spotted standing in a shallow outdoor bath filled with water.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌Keeping dogs' paws cool can help bring down their overall body temperature. In the caption accompanying the video, Monty simply wrote: "Drinking one's bathwater..." Followers were quick to share their reactions in the comments section.One person wrote: "Aww...poor baby! Keep cool, Ned (and Monty and family!)" Another agreed: "Poor baby is so hot. Drink up, Ned!"A third said: "Poor Ned", while a fourth commented: "Aah so hot, panting."‌How to cool dogs downFor those worried about their dog in the heat, the RSPCA advises: "The best thing to do when your dog is overheating is cool first, transport second. This means acting fast to stop further heating, cooling the dog down, and then taking them to your nearest vet."It also cautions owners against placing wet or damp towels over their dog, as this can trap their body heat. Instead, "place wet or damp towels beneath the dog - remembering to re-wet the towel frequently - but never over their body."Dog enthusiast Monty previously wrote on his website: "I have lived with dogs all my life and so it is absolutely natural to me that wherever I am in the garden I should be accompanied by a dog or two. It is their garden as much as mine or any other members of the family."Article continues belowWhat is Monty Don most famous for?A recognisable presence on television, Monty is arguably best known for his main presenting duties on the BBC programme Gardeners' World. The specialist possesses a wealth of knowledge about all things horticultural, with countless gardening enthusiasts eager to follow his advice closely in order to maximise their garden's aesthetics.Monty made his television debut in 1989 with a regular gardening slot on This Morning, which paved the way for additional work across various channels. An accomplished writer, he's written more than 25 books since his debut publication in 1990.In 2003, following Alan Titchmarsh's recommendation, he assumed the role of lead presenter on Gardener's World. He's also created and fronted several of his own gardening series, including 2026's Monty Don's Rhineland Gardens.