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Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Vet warns dog breeds that are most likely to get heatstroke – and it could lead to seizures, organ damage or even DEATH
Plus, top tips on how to keep dogs cool NO BONES ABOUT IT NO BONES ABOUT IT Vet warns dog breeds that are most likely to get heatstroke – and it could lead to seizures, organ damage or even DEATH WITH the third heatwave of the summer set to hit this week a vet has issued an urgent warning to dog owners - sharing six breeds that are most at risk of overheating. According to animal experts, 'extremely dangerous' temperatures above 28C can cause a 'life-threatening heat stroke' for pets. 4 A vet has revealed six breeds which are susceptible to overheating Credit: Getty Dr Suzanne Moyes, in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, shares her advice on which dog breeds are most at risk of overheating and how to spot the signs. She advised: 'Heat stress in dogs can happen at temperatures over 25 degrees. And, at 30 degrees or more, the risk of heatstroke increases significantly. 'If your dog shows symptoms such as faster panting, excessive drooling, darkened gums, agitation, staggering, vomiting or diarrhoea, seek advice from a vet immediately. 'If you spot the signs of overheating, take action to cool your pet immediately and consult your vet.' BREEDS AT RISK Dr Moyes advised that Brachycephalic breeds of dogs have very short, flat faces, making it difficult for them to breathe. She explained: 'In hot weather, their facial structure can make it harder for them to regulate their body temperature easily. 'While not as extreme as some other brachycephalic breeds, boxers have shorter muzzles and can therefore also struggle with the heat as they can struggle to cool down. 'Boston terriers are another breed with a pushed-in face, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.' And it's not just dog breeds with short, flat faces that are at risk. Those with thick, double coats such as Chow Chows, Golden retrievers, Huskies and German shepherds have thick fur that traps the heat, increasing their chance of overheating. Best and Worst Dogs for Apartment Living: Expert Insights Dr Moyes continued: 'Senior dogs and overweight dogs are also more likely to suffer from heatstroke due to age and weight-related health issues. 'While they've not got a thick coat, surprisingly Greyhounds can be at risk as their thin coats offer little protection from the sun, causing them to overheat quickly. 'While it's important to monitor all dogs' exposure to the sun, if you have a dog breed that is more at risk it's vital to avoid prolonged time in the direct sun, ensuring they have shady spots and plenty of water.' 4 Those with thick, double coats such as Chow Chows are also at risk Credit: Getty How hot temperature can be 'very dangerous' or fatal for dogs VETERINARY Surgeon Kathleen Pohl, from Pet Health Club, advised that during the summer dogs should be walked early in the morning or late at night, when it's cooler. She claimed that temperatures between 28 and 31 degrees are 'very dangerous to all dogs'. The vet shared that whilst some breeds are more resilient, these temperatures can be life-threatening. Therefore, Kathleen urged dog owners to avoid walking pets during these temperatures and stressed the importance of making sure they have cool places to rest. The animal lover claimed that this is especially important for owners that have flat nose dogs such as Pugs or French bulldogs, as well as older dogs and those with health issues. Finally, the vet shared that anything above 32 degrees is extremely dangerous for dogs. The vet highlighted: 'At this level there's a high risk of life threatening heat stroke. Dogs can suffer from dehydration, rapid heart rate, even organ failure.' As a result, the animal pro advised pet owners to always provide a cool spot for dogs indoors, with plenty of fresh water nearby. Issuing an urgent warning to dog lovers, the expert concluded: 'Remember, a dog has never died from skipping a walk, but they die every year from heat stroke. Don't walk your dog in the heat.' TIPS FOR KEEPING DOGS COOL 1. NOTE WHERE THEIR BED IS SET UP Dr Moyes says: 'It's advisable to never keep your dogs bedding and accommodation in a conservatory, especially in warmer months. 'Conservatories typically have poor air circulation, experience high temperatures and have a lack of cool, shady spots, making the risks of heatstroke more common if pets are kept here.' For indoor pets, such as cats and dogs, make sure they are set up in a room that stays cool - ideally on a lower floor in the house, to avoid heat rising. Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to block the heat out. Keep a window open to ensure the room has good airflow or alternatively, place a fan nearby to help circulate the air. Just make sure this isn't blowing directly onto your pet. 4 Boston terriers are another breed with a pushed-in face, making them more susceptible to heatstroke Credit: Getty 2. GIVE THEM WATER RICH SNACKS It's important to make simple adjustments to your dog's routine in hot weather to help keep their body temperature regulated. Avoid over-handling them during the hottest parts of the day, especially for older dogs. Ice cubes can be added to water bowls and consider lining a toy with meat or fish paste before putting it in the freezer to create a cooling snack for your dog to lick. It's important to consider that any dietary changes should be made gradually to avoid digestive upsets. 4 Golden retrievers also have thick fur which increases their chance of overheating Credit: Getty 3. USE WET TOWELS If your dog is suffering from heatstroke, you urgently need to lower their body temperature gradually. To do this, move them to a shaded area and place wet towels near them to lower their temperature. Just remember to never place ice on them as this can cause them to go into shock. 4. GROOM THEM Stay on top of grooming and brush long-haired dogs daily in the summer months as their thick fur can trap the heat. If a prolonged heatwave has set in, consider giving them a summer trim to keep them cool.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Top 10 dog and cat names in the UK including the wackiest celeb-inspired titles
A group of vets have shared the most popular dog and cat names after celebrities, including Elvis and Snoop Dogg. Naming your pet is a vital part of being a parent to a furry friend. A dog or cat's name can reflect their personality and character, and choosing their title gives you a chance to be a little creative. To track popular trends in pet names, vets at Pet Health Club have revealed their lists of the most popular dog and cat names in the UK, whilst sharing some of the weirdest and wackiest names they've come across. They also shared a list of the most popular pet names that come from iconic celebrities, including Elvis, Miley Cyrus and naturally, Snoop Dogg. Their lists included honourable mentions to some of the strangest pet names the animal lovers came across, including Mozzarella, Bulldozer and - perhaps the poshest pet name out there - Admiral Boba McScruffington. The pet experts created these lists by retrieving data from their network of over 800 vet practices in the UK. And although many of us see ourselves as 'a dog person' or 'a cat person' due to the vast differences between the animals, when it comes to choosing names - there are a lot of similarities that cross the divide. So, have you chosen one of the most popular pet names for your dog or cat? Read on to find out, or, if you're in the market for a new pet, you can use this data to gather some inspiration. Top ten most popular dog and cat names in the UK The most popular pet names appear to be named after iconic TV and movie characters, with Luna (after the quirky Harry Potter character Luna Lovegood) leading the list of cat names. The most popular dog name in the UK was Bella, perhaps after Twilight's protagonist, Bella Swan. And you wouldn't have to go far down either list to find these names, as Luna was the third most popular name for dogs, while Bella was second on the cats list. Poppy, Milo, and Daisy all featured in the top 10s for both species too. Teddy, Lola, Alfie, Buddy, and Ruby were also popular puppy names, while Charlie, Willow, Coco, Molly, and Tilly rounded off the lists for cats. Some names that certainly didn't make the most popular list are the aforementioned Mozzarella, Bulldozer and Admiral Boba McScruffington, which the vets mentioned as the most unusual pet names they have come across. Here is the full list of the top pet names in the UK: Top UK dog names of 2025 Bella Poppy Luna Teddy Daisy Lola Milo Alfie Buddy Ruby Top UK cat names of 2025 Luna Bella Milo Poppy Charlie Willow Daisy Coco Molly Tilly Naming your dog or cat after a celebrity has risen as a popular trend in the pet parent community, and the vets shared another list of the top pet names inspired by the world's most iconic individuals. Elvis topped both lists at number one, while Miley and Snoop came up as the other most popular celeb-inspired dog names. Ed, after Ed Sheeran, Miley again, and Taylor topped the list for cats. Taylor and Ed could also be found on the top dogs list, with Kylie, Shakira, and Cher on both lists too. Drake and Kendall were found to be popular dog names, while Doja and Angelina made the list for cats. Read on for the full lists of celeb-inspired pet names. Top UK dog names inspired by celebrities Elvis Miley Snoop Taylor Drake Ed Kylie Shakira Cher Kendall Top UK cat names inspired by celebrities Elvis Ed Miley Taylor Snoop Kylie Doja Shakira Cher Angelina Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Human names top the trend for cats and dogs in 2025
Human names top the trend for cats and dogs in 2025 People are now naming their pets Kevin, Gary and Barbara The research showed a healthy sense of humour amongst pet owners in the UK People names are dominating the trend for cats and dogs in 2025 with pets now often named Dennis, Kevin, Gary, Dorothy or Barbara. Pet Health Club has listed the top 10 dog and cat names, as pet ownership gets set to soar over the summer months. The team at Pet Health Club analysed data from across their nationwide network of over 800 vet practices, finding that pet parents are opting for the name Bella most frequently for dogs, whilst Luna is the number one name for cats. Vets found a definite trend for celebrity-inspired names, from Doja and Elvis to Drake, Shakira and Kendall, as well as the full monikers of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus. Traditionally 'human' names also remain a firm favourite, with some surprising options. Names like Dennis, Kevin, Gary, Dorothy and Barbara all featured among the top 10 for dogs and cats. Characters from movies, books, video games and TV shows were also well represented with the top 20 including Loki, Thor, Leia, Bilbo, Frodo, Zelda, Batman, Hermione, Chewbacca, Hulk and even Pikachu. The research also showed a healthy sense of humour amongst pet owners in the UK, with witty names like Albus Dumbledog, Artemus Growl, Sherlock Bones and Bartholomeow appearing on the list. Holly Mckinley, Senior Vet at Pet Health Club, said: 'We often see a surge in new puppies and kittens being welcomed into families over the summer months, with people having more time to spend at home with a new pet and the weather being better. 'As vets who work with millions of much-loved pets all year round, we've heard our fair share of unusual names, but it was still interesting to see a few weird and wonderful ones crop up in our analysis. Even our eyebrows raise when we welcome a Bulldozer or Mozzarella into the examination room. 'What's lovely to see is that pet names are really important to owners – it becomes an extension of their personality and can be part of the bonding process with their puppy or kitten. After all, learning their name is a very important stage of a pet's early training and socialisation, and makes them feel like they belong in your 'pack'. Article continues below 'We're looking forward to welcoming lots more Franks, Dojas and Chewbaccas into the Pet Health Club over the coming months.' The top 10 names for puppies and kittens across the UK: Top 10 puppy names 2025 Top 10 kitten names 2025 Bella Luna Poppy Bella Luna Milo Teddy Poppy Daisy Charlie Lola Willow Milo Daisy Alfie Coco Buddy Molly Ruby Tilly The top 10 'human' names for puppies and kittens across the UK: Top 10 'human' puppy names 2025 Top 10 'human' kitten names 2025 Ralph Ralph Frank Frank Norman Kevin Dennis Dennis Kevin Norman Roger Gary Gary Roger Dorothy Dorothy Geoffrey Geoffrey Barbara Barbara The top 10 celebrity inspired names for puppies and kittens across the UK: Top 10 'celeb' puppy names 2025 Top 10 'celeb' kitten names 2025 Elvis Elvis Miley Ed Snoop Miley Taylor Taylor Drake Snoop Ed Kylie Kylie Doja Shakira Shakira Cher Cher Kendall Angelina The top 10 character-inspired names for puppies and kittens across the UK: Top 10 puppy names 2025 Top 10 kitten names 2025 Loki Loki Thor Thor Leia Ash Ash Leia Bilbo Zelda Frodo Bilbo Zelda Yoda Yoda Frodo Rey Article continues below Batman Wanda
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Dog owners urged to avoid ‘hidden danger' this week as vet reveals breeds most at risk
Scroll down to find out which dog breeds are most susceptible to overheating DOG DAYS Dog owners urged to avoid 'hidden danger' this week as vet reveals breeds most at risk Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DOG owners are being warned not to take their pets out for walks during key times this week as the UK braces for a summer heatwave. Vets say that while many owners believe a stroll in the fresh air is a good idea, the risks to dogs are much greater than just leaving them in a hot car. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow Credit: Getty Across the UK, with temperatures set to exceed 25°C and possibly reach 30°C in some regions, veterinary experts are urging owners to rethink their walking routines. According to Pet Health Club, which represents over 800 vet practices, the danger isn't just the sun — it's the ground beneath your dog's feet. In places like London, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of the South East, surfaces such as pavements and artificial grass can retain extreme heat long after the sun has started to dip. These hot surfaces can soar to more than 50°C — easily enough to burn sensitive paw pads and trigger overheating in just minutes. Holly McKinley, senior vet at Pet Health Club, explained: 'Many owners assume it's safe to walk their dogs once the sun dips, but pavements often stay dangerously hot well past 5pm, and on some days, the air does too. "That's why we're calling it the hidden 'danger hour'.' While heatstroke in dogs is a well-known risk in parked cars, the latest research suggests that walks during hot spells are an even bigger danger. A staggering 74 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are caused by exercise, compared to just 5 per cent from being left in vehicles. 'Dogs don't sweat like we do, and their ability to cool down is limited. So even when it feels bearable to us, it can still be risky for them,' said Holly. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave 'Walking your dog in 25-degree heat is like running a marathon in a fur coat. "It might not seem extreme to humans, but for dogs, especially those with thick coats or flat faces, it can be life-threatening.' She added that breeds with short snouts — known as Brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, bulldogs and boxers — are particularly at risk. Their compromised airways mean they struggle more to breathe and regulate their body temperature during even mild exertion. Dog owners are urged to check pavements before heading out by using the back-of-the-hand test. 'If you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws,' Holly said. 'If in doubt, skip the walk and focus on indoor play or enrichment instead.' Symptoms of heatstroke can come on quickly and include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting and even seizures. If untreated, it can result in collapse or death in a matter of minutes. Dog breeds most susceptible to overheating In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather... Firstly, those with underlying health problems. Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog. Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate. Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in. However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back. In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces. Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather Sean McCormack, head vet at said: 'A dog's ability to regulate heat is very different from ours. This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable.' Even short walks in the midday sun can be dangerous. Vets recommend walking early in the morning — ideally before 8am — or late in the evening, well after sunset, when both the air and surfaces have had time to cool down properly. Eve, a veterinary nurse from the UK, echoed the warning on social media. She said: 'The temperatures are rising and taking your dog on a walk is not worth risking their life. "Do it responsibly – 6am in the morning, 8pm at night when it's nice and cool.' She added: 'This applies to every single dog breed, but especially Brachycephalic breeds. If you can hear your dog breathing heavily on a normal day, that's a sign they're already under respiratory stress. "Add heat to that, and it can become dangerous very quickly.' Eve also warned of symptoms like vomiting and regurgitation, particularly in flat-faced breeds, which can lead to aspiration — where fluid enters the lungs and causes serious complications. During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow. Owners are advised to provide plenty of fresh water, use fans or cooling mats, and avoid overexcitement or vigorous play.
The Irish Sun
17-06-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Dog owners urged to avoid ‘hidden danger' this week as vet reveals breeds most at risk
DOG owners are being warned not to take their pets out for walks during key times this week as the UK braces for a summer heatwave. Vets say that while many owners believe a stroll in the fresh air is a good idea, the risks to dogs are much greater than just leaving them in a hot car. 2 During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow Credit: Getty Across the UK, with temperatures set to exceed 25°C and possibly reach 30°C in some regions, veterinary experts are urging owners to rethink their walking routines. According to Pet Health Club, which represents over 800 vet practices, the danger isn't just the sun — it's the ground beneath your dog's feet. In places like London, Manchester, Birmingham and parts of the South East, surfaces such as pavements and artificial grass can retain extreme heat long after the sun has started to dip. These hot surfaces can soar to more than 50°C — easily enough to burn sensitive paw pads and trigger overheating in just minutes. Read more on News Holly McKinley, senior vet at Pet Health Club, explained: 'Many owners assume it's safe to walk their dogs once the sun dips, but pavements often stay dangerously hot well past 5pm, and on some days, the air does too. "That's why we're calling it the hidden 'danger hour'.' While heatstroke in dogs is a well-known risk in parked cars, the latest research suggests that walks during hot spells are an even bigger danger. A staggering 74 per cent of heatstroke cases in dogs are caused by exercise, compared to just 5 per cent from being left in vehicles. Most read in The Sun 'Dogs don't sweat like we do, and their ability to cool down is limited. So even when it feels bearable to us, it can still be risky for them,' said Holly. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave 'Walking your dog in 25-degree heat is like running a marathon in a fur coat. "It might not seem extreme to humans, but for dogs, especially those with thick coats or flat faces, it can be life-threatening.' She added that breeds with short snouts — known as Brachycephalic breeds, including pugs, bulldogs and boxers — are particularly at risk. Their compromised airways mean they struggle more to breathe and regulate their body temperature during even mild exertion. 'If you can't comfortably hold it there for seven seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws,' Holly said. 'If in doubt, skip the walk and focus on indoor play or enrichment instead.' Symptoms of heatstroke can come on quickly and include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting and even seizures. If untreated, it can result in collapse or death in a matter of minutes. Dog breeds most susceptible to overheating In general, there are six groups of dogs who struggle most in hot weather... Firstly, those with underlying health problems. Dogs can't sweat like we can, so rely largely on panting to cool down. However, if they have airway or lung impairments, or suffer from fluid balance or hydration issues, then this is more difficult, and their ability to lose heat is reduced, meaning they are at a higher risk of heat-stroke. Overweight animals find it harder to ventilate, and their core temperature rises faster than you'd expect for a lean dog. Very young dogs or very old dogs are also at increased risk of heatstroke, and these owners should be even more cautious in hot weather. Dogs with very thick coats, who are adapted to a colder climate . Dogs such as the Husky or Malamute - and even the Chow Chow - have been bred to keep heat in. However, this comes at the price of being less well able to cope in hot weather. Their thick double coats effectively trap heat, making it the equivalent of us going out in the July heat wearing a fur coat and thermal underwear: they get very hot, very quickly. This problem can be alleviated by clipping (NOT shaving), however, the coat can take a long time to grow back. In a heatwave, though, if you're struggling to keep your dog cool, I'd personally rather have a dog with a thinner coat who's alive than a luxuriously coated dog in the morgue. Short-nosed, or brachycephalic, breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs . These dogs have been bred to look "cute", with big eyes and flat faces. Unfortunately, the result of this has been a narrowing of the airways and a profusion of soft tissue in the nasal chambers and pharynx - we call this Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and it profoundly affects their ability to pant and lose heat. Like a dog with any other respiratory disease, most members of these breeds are highly prone to heatstroke, and as they are often overweight as well, are at very high risk in hot weather Sean McCormack, head vet at said: 'A dog's ability to regulate heat is very different from ours. This makes it essential for pet owners, particularly those new to dog care, to take proactive steps to keep their pets cool, safe, and comfortable.' Even short walks in the midday sun can be dangerous. Vets recommend walking early in the morning — ideally before 8am — or late in the evening, well after sunset, when both the air and surfaces have had time to cool down properly. Eve, a She said: 'The temperatures are rising and taking your dog on a walk is not worth risking their life. "Do it responsibly – 6am in the morning, 8pm at night when it's nice and cool.' She added: 'This applies to every single dog breed, but especially Brachycephalic breeds. If you can hear your dog breathing heavily on a normal day, that's a sign they're already under respiratory stress. "Add heat to that, and it can become dangerous very quickly.' Eve also warned of symptoms like vomiting and regurgitation, particularly in flat-faced breeds, which can lead to aspiration — where fluid enters the lungs and causes serious complications. During heatwaves, the safest place for your pet is indoors in a cool, shaded area with good airflow. Owners are advised to provide plenty of fresh water, use fans or cooling mats, and avoid overexcitement or vigorous play. 2 Symptoms of heatstroke can come on quickly and include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, confusion, vomiting and even seizures Credit: GETTY
