A woman has paid tribute to her beloved pet pug after it died amid the record-breaking heatwave on Wednesday, which saw temperatures reach 36C in some areas of the country. 

Kellie-Jay Keen, a women’s rights activist, shared an image of her dog, Gilbert, and wrote: ‘My dog just died in the heat. He escaped the cool kitchen whilst I was out. So long Gilbert.’ 

It comes after the RSPCA issued a warning on Monday to pet owners, calling the soaring temperatures a ‘silent killer’ for the nation’s animals. 

Pugs suffer from Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), caused by their short skulls and compacted airways. 

The breed struggles to breathe, exercise, and regulate its body temperature – meaning they are more prone to heatstroke. 

Ms Keen added in a post on Thursday morning on X: ‘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 into 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.’ 

A pug named Gilbert (pictured) died on Wednesday as the soaring temperatures broke records and reached 36.1C in Hampshire

Gilbert’s owner, Kellie-Jay Keen (pictured in Hyde Park in 2023), is a prominent women’s rights activist

Animal welfare charity the RSPCA issued a warning this week to owners against being complacent with their pets’ health, as record-breaking temperatures soared to 36.1C on Wednesday. 

Lauren Bennett, an RVN and dog welfare expert with the charity, 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.’ 

The charity advised pet owners to prepare in advance, warning that trains, ferries and caravans can pose a risk to pets as well as cars. 

The RSPCA also urged owners to walk dogs in the morning or in the evening when temperatures are coolest, and for owners to look out for the signs of heatstroke so that they can cool pets before seeking a vet’s attention. 

Potential signs to look out for include your pet limping or refusing to walk, licking or chewing at their feet, their paw pads being darker in colour or missing part of their pad, and blisters or redness. 

Other tips include making sure there is access to shaded areas inside and out, clean, cold water available, and avoiding running or cycling with your dog when it’s hot. 

Owners can also put ice cubes into their pet’s water bowl, groom their dog regularly to get rid of excess hair, and give them damp towels to lie on.  

Towels and blankets are used to block the sun so pets are kept cooler at a home in Bristol on Thursday. The RSPCA issued a stark warning to pet owners on Monday as the heatwave rages on

Miss Bennett added: ‘We know that almost half of the public may still underestimate the danger, which is why now is the critical time to start your ‘pet homework’.’

The stark warning for Britain’s pet owners comes as Britain could record its hottest June day ever again on Thursday – just one day after a new record of 36.1C was set in Hampshire, surpassing the previous high of 35.6C in 1976. 

The Met Office said highs of up to 40C are possible this afternoon, meaning the UK could also close in on the all-time temperature record of 40.3C set in July 2022. 

Last night was also the UK’s warmest June night ever after overnight temperatures in Cardiff failed to drop below 23.5C, beating the previous record of 22.7C in 1976. 

A hosepipe ban was activated immediately today for nearly one million Brits in Kent after ‘record demand for water’. 

Meanwhile, thousands of schools remained closed, trains were cancelled again and commuters were urged not to travel ‘unless absolutely necessary’ amid the rare red warning. 

Transport networks have faced major disruption and people are being urged to stay inside between 11am to 3pm, close windows and curtains and stay hydrated.

More than ten people were taken to hospital mostly for heat-related illnesses after a collision on the M25 in Surrey which caused long queues in unbearable conditions.