Gilbert the pug died after making its way into the garden during this week's heatwave, with pet owners now issued crucial advice on keeping animals safe

16:09, Thu, Jun 25, 2026 Updated: 16:12, Thu, Jun 25, 2026

Arthur the Pug

Gilbert the pug sadly died as a result of the heatwave (stock image) (Image: Getty)

A pug which has died in the UK's recent heatwave has prompted advice from animal experts on how to best look after your pets. Gilbert the dog sadly died after leaving the "cool kitchen" he'd been sitting in. Owner Kellie-Jay Keen took to X and confirmed the tragic passing of her pet as a result of the heatwave.

She wrote: "My dog just died in the heat. He escaped the cool kitchen whilst I was out. So long Gilbert." Well wishes were shared with Gilbert's owner, while animal experst have since offered advice on how best to keep your pets safe in the warmer weather.

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The Met Office placed both an amber and severe red weather warning in its forecast for the next four days. A severe red warning is in place today (June 25) and tomorrow (June 26). An amber weather warning has been listed for June 27. Yellow weather warnings indicating thunderstorms are also in place for parts of Scotland and the south east from today.

Pet owner Keen added: "It's been a devastating night of what ifs. Our poor happy little dog went to a part of the garden I’ve never seen him in. He could have come back in to the cool kitchen at any point. He had a cold fan, cold water, ice cream earlier, he’d been hosed down.

"Maybe I should have got him a paddling pool as I’d thought the night before? He got through hot days and nights before, without incident. We said our last goodbyes, but the what ifs remain unresolved."

Dog welfare expert Lauren Bennett with the RSPCA has since issued crucial advice for those wanting to protect their pets during the record-breaking temperatures, The Sun reported.

Dog refreshing at the beach in Croatia

The RSPCA has since issued their advice to pet owners (stock image) (Image: Getty)

She said: "Planning ahead and being prepared in this hot weather can help save pets’ lives. Complacency can mean soaring temperatures are a silent killer for our beloved animals.

"We are reminding pet owners to keep a really close eye on their animals during this heatwave, skip the hot walks, and never ever leave their dog in a hot vehicle."

She added further steps like putting ice cubes in their water bowl and dousing overheated dogs in cold water are also recommended. Bennett also warned against putting damp towels over dogs as this can trap the heat in. Instead, place the towel under the dogs to avoid heatstroke.