As the summer heatwave continues to sweep the UK, it's important to take extra care of your pets.
While the sun can be enjoyable for us humans, spending too much time in the heat can make us ill - and the same goes for our furry friends. The scorching hot weather could soon deliver record-breaking temperatures in excess of 40C, reports The Mirror.
Meanwhile the UKHSA have issued a level three heat-health alert across south England, in place from Monday July 11 until Friday July 15. The warning means people must be particularly careful while outside and pay extra attention to how the heat makes them feel.
Read more: Manchester will be hotter than ISTANBUL today as heatwave continues - hour-by-hour forecast
As temperatures soar, it's vital to know how to keep your pets safe. Fortunately, the experts at the RSPCA have shared their top tips. The RSPCA says it receives "many enquiries and reports about the welfare of animals over the summer months, particularly when it's very hot."
Can the weather be too hot to walk your dog?
Simply put - yes. While dogs still need exercise, even during summer, there are a number of ways to tell if it is actually too hot to walk your dog.
The RSPCA recommends conducting a quick test that anyone can do. The 'five-second' test involves you putting your hand on the pavement for five seconds - and if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws.
Dogs might show other signs that they're struggling to walk in the heat, too. These could include limping or refusing to walk, licking or chewing their feet, their paw pads turning darker in colour or missing a part, or blisters and redness.
However, the RSPCA does advise walking your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement.
Can dogs get heatstroke?
Just like humans, dogs are also susceptible to heatstoke. The symptoms to look out for in your pets include: heavy panting and difficulty breathing, excessively drooling, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated and collapsing or vomiting.
The RSPCA also recommends some simple ways to keep your canine companions cool. "Ensure pets always have access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool," they advise. "Put ice cubes into your dog's water bowl or make some tasty ice cube treats. You could also freeze a kong with treats and water."
Giving your pet a damp towel to lie on, or an ice pack wrapped in a towel, can also help them. But never place a damp towel over them, as this could trap in heat. If your dog likes water, a paddling pool or water sprinkler are a couple of great options to try.
Other methods include applying dog-safe suncream "on exposed parts of your pet's skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose, to avoid sunburn." This is especially important if your dog has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burnt, says the animal welfare organisation.
Finally, the RSPCA warns that you should never leave your dog in a car, caravan, conservatory or outbuilding in hot weather, as dogs can die in these hot environments.
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