Dog owners have been warned about a "silent killer" that could put their pups in danger this summer.
The RSPCA is urging owners not to take their dogs on walks in high temperatures - even quick jaunts.
The animal charity said that while it's common knowledge not to leave pets in cars or take them for long walks in the heat - dogs can be put at risk of exposure even while on short walks.
Vets warn that heat-related illness can lead to organ failure, brain damage and ultimately death.
On Wednesday, the UK recorded the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures exceeding 29 degrees.
A hot sunny day seems like the perfect weather to take your dog outside.
However, dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke as they can not sweat through their skin - meaning they rely on panting and releasing heat through their paws and nose to regulate body temperature.
RSPCA dog welfare specialist Esme Wheeler said: "The truth is walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer.
"While the majority would never leave our dogs in a car on a hot day, or even take our dogs for a really long walk in the heat, many people may still be putting their dogs at risk even on a short walk, or taking them to places such as fields and beaches with little or no shade.
"We have long-campaigned that dogs die in hot cars, but this year we’re highlighting that dogs die on hot walks, too.
"The message remains very simple – never leave a dog in a hot car because ‘not long’ is too long, and when it comes to walks, 'if in doubt, don’t go out.'"
Dr Dan O’Neill, associate professor companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, echoed the RSPCA's warning about dog walks in the heat.
He said: “Heat-related illness can lead to organ failure, brain damage and ultimately death.
"Most people know that dogs die in hot cars, but the reality is that more than 10 times as many dogs need veterinary treatment for heat-related illness following exercise as for being overheated in cars.
"It can take weeks for a dog to acclimatise to hot weather, so after a spell of cold weather, periods of hot weather can be particularly dangerous.”
Every summer the RSPCA receives hundreds of reports of dogs left in sweltering cars, over exercised in the heat and with burns on their paws from pavements.
The charity advises walking early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, or even skipping a walk.
Older dogs, those with thick fur, flat-faced breeds and those who already have health conditions can be more at risk.
Owners should check the pavement is not too hot by testing if they can comfortably hold their hand on the ground for five seconds.
Other tips from the RSPCA to keep dogs cool include having a paddling pool, using a damp towel for them to lie on and adding ice cubes to their water.
The charity is also urging people to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness so they can seek veterinary care if necessary including excessive panting, unusual breathing noises, lethargy, stumbling, and a blue or grey tinge to the gums or tongue.
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