New heat warning issued as Met Éireann flags animal welfare risks

Pet, horse and livestock owners are being advised to take extra precautions as Ireland’s prolonged spell of hot weather continues, with Met Éireann identifying animal welfare issues as one of the possible impacts.

A new Status Yellow high-temperature warning has been issued for Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway and Mayo. It will take effect at 1pm on Monday, 13 July, and remain in place until 7am on Wednesday, 15 July.

Maximum temperatures above 27°C are expected in the affected counties, combined with overnight temperatures above 15°C. Met Éireann has listed heat stress, drought and an increased danger of forest fires among the potential effects.

The new warning follows an alert covering ten counties that remains in force until 7am on Monday morning.

A separate nationwide weather advisory is valid until midnight on Thursday, 16 July. It says daytime temperatures will widely exceed 25°C, reaching the high 20s and possibly 30°C in places. Warm and humid nights are also forecast, with a chance of thunderstorms on Wednesday and Thursday.

Crucially for animal owners, the national advisory specifically lists possible animal welfare issues among the impacts of the prolonged heat.

County Louth is not included in the new five-county warning, but the nationwide advisory still applies. Across the border, the Met Office is forecasting very warm or hot conditions in Northern Ireland from Tuesday through Thursday.

The risk is not confined to the hottest counties

A county being outside the formal Status Yellow warning should not be read as an all-clear for animals.

Direct sunlight, exercise, inadequate ventilation, limited access to water and time spent in warm vehicles, sheds or conservatories can all increase the risk of overheating. Animals that cannot move themselves into a cooler space depend entirely on their owners to recognise when conditions are becoming uncomfortable.

Dogs and cats do not cool themselves by sweating in the same way people do. Animals that are overweight, very young or elderly, as well as pets with thick coats or existing heart, lung or airway problems, may be more vulnerable. Flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and Persian cats are also at increased risk.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has advised owners to provide a plentiful supply of drinking water and suitable shade or shelter away from direct sunlight throughout periods of high temperature.

A missed walk is safer than a dangerous one

Dogs do not need to complete their usual walking routine when conditions are unsuitable.

Walks should be moved to the coolest part of the morning or later in the evening. On particularly hot days, the British Veterinary Association advises that it may be safer to skip the walk altogether. Dogs should never be left in a parked car, caravan or conservatory, even for a short time or with a window open.

Owners should also check the ground before setting off. Tarmac, pavements and sand can become hot enough to damage paw pads even when the air temperature does not appear extreme.

Fresh water should be carried on longer outings, but access to water does not make strenuous exercise safe in high temperatures.

Horses and farm animals need additional checks

For farmers and horse owners, the official advice is to check water supplies more frequently during hot weather. Water pressure and flow should be sufficient for increased demand, and animals should be watched for queueing or crowding around drinking points.

Very young, elderly, sick or pregnant animals may need to be moved to an area where they have better access to shade and can be monitored more closely.

Handling and transport can place further strain on animals during hot weather. Where movement cannot be avoided, the Department advises keeping journeys as short as possible, travelling during cooler hours and allowing sufficient airflow.

Outdoor poultry should have access to shade. Temperatures and ventilation inside poultry and pig housing should be monitored closely, including checks on automatic ventilation alarms and back-up systems.

Pigs are particularly vulnerable to heat stress because they have limited ability to cool themselves. Outdoor pigs should have access to an appropriate wallow, particularly when temperatures rise above 25°C.

Warning signs should not be ignored

Possible early signs of heat-related illness in dogs and cats include:

• persistent or distressed panting

• restlessness or repeatedly seeking water or shade

• excessive drooling

• red gums or tongue

• vomiting or diarrhoea

• an unusually rapid heartbeat

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As the condition becomes more serious, an animal may appear lethargic or confused, become weak, collapse or experience seizures. Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency.

What to do when an animal may be overheating

The Royal Veterinary College recommends a “cool first, transport second” approach for suspected canine heatstroke.

Move the animal into a cool, well-ventilated area and begin cooling immediately. Water that is cooler than the dog can be poured or hosed over the body, ideally while creating air movement with a fan, breeze or air conditioning. Offer small sips of water, but do not force the animal to drink.

Contact a veterinary surgeon as soon as cooling has begun and follow the advice given. An animal should still be assessed when advised, even if it appears to recover, because some of the more serious effects may not be immediately visible.

Preparation matters during prolonged heat

The current forecast is not simply for one hot afternoon. High daytime temperatures combined with warm nights mean water, shade, airflow and animal comfort will need to be checked repeatedly over the coming days.

At Flurrybridge Vet Shop, we believe good animal care starts with clear, responsible information. Everyday animal-care supplies can help owners prepare for changing conditions, but no product is a substitute for close observation or professional veterinary attention when an animal becomes unwell.

Frequently asked questions

Does the heat advice apply outside the counties under the warning?

Yes. The Status Yellow warning applies to named counties, but Met Éireann’s wider advisory covers the country and specifically identifies possible animal welfare issues. Northern Ireland is also forecast to remain very warm or hot through the middle of the week.

Can a dog develop heatstroke indoors?

Yes. A warm, humid or poorly ventilated environment can cause an animal to overheat, even without strenuous exercise. Conservatories, caravans, cars and rooms receiving strong direct sunlight can become particularly warm.

Should I still walk my dog during the hot spell?

Use the temperature and your dog’s individual health as your guide rather than following the normal routine automatically. Walk during the coolest hours, keep exercise gentle and consider missing the walk entirely when conditions are too warm.

What should I do first if my dog shows signs of heatstroke?

Begin cooling the dog immediately with water cooler than its body, create airflow and contact a veterinary surgeon. Do not delay cooling until you reach the veterinary practice.

Veterinary notice

This article provides general animal-care information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by a veterinary surgeon. Suspected heatstroke, breathing difficulty, collapse, confusion, seizures or severe weakness require urgent veterinary attention.

Animal welfare concerns as new weather warning for hot weather announced on 12th July 2026

Editorial note: Weather warnings can be updated at short notice. The warning details in this article were checked on the evening of 12 July 2026.