Warning to pet owners in Gloucestershire during heat wave
Animal welfare charity, the RSPCA says "if in doubt, don't go out"
The RSPCA are urging animal lovers to make plans to protect their pets during the hot weather.
Their warning comes following the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency issuing a heat-health alert, with temperatures set to climb more.
Every summer the RSPCA receives hundreds of reports of animals suffering from heat exposure, including dogs left in hot cars, pets with heat burns on their paws from pavements, and dogs over-exercised in the heat.
The charity is asking owners of all pets - from cats and dogs to small furries, horses and farm animals - to make provisions now, and is also calling on animal champions to help look out for wildlife in the hot weather too.
Top tips for keeping your pets safe
- â—Ź Never leave your dog in a vehicle. Dogs die in hot cars. Call 999 in an emergency if you see a dog in a hot car.
- Exercise dogs in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cooler.
- Keep a close eye on older dogs, those with thicker coats or flat faces
- Pavements get hot - if you can't comfortably keep your hand on the ground for five seconds then it's too hot for your pooch's paws too!
Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare specialist, said it’s vital that pet owners start planning ahead now to make sure they do everything they can to keep pets safe during the summer.
She said: “By making a note of our top tips for keeping pets cools, as well as familiarising themselves with the signs of heatstroke in pets, owners will be taking fantastic steps to keeping their pets safe this week".