Dog experts have issued a warning to owners of nine dog breeds at risk as temperatures across Merseyside spike.
Across the country temperatures are expected to reach up to 34C. Merseyside will also see scorching weather with temperatures today peaking at 24C, just a few degrees cooler than the Sahara desert.
Experts have issued an urgent warning to the owners of nine common dog breeds which will be at risk of heatstroke, a serious and life-threatening condition especially for dogs, which can only disperse heat by panting. Vets and the RSPCA have both issued warnings to pet owners urging them to refrain walking dogs in the heat, Birmingham Live reports.
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The full list include: Chow chows, bulldogs, French bulldogs, French mastiffs and greyhounds. King Charles spaniels complete the list, alongside pugs, English springer spaniels and Golden retrievers.
Warning signs of heatstroke include heavy panting and difficulty breathing, excessively drooling and the dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated. They may collapse or vomit too.
The RSPCA warns: "Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually for the best chance of survival." The group added: "Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
"Some types of dogs are more prone to heatstroke, like very old or young dogs, dogs with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces like pugs and bulldog types." It continued: "Dogs with certain diseases or on some types of medication are also more at risk."
