This Is What Every Pet Owner Needs To Know About Keeping Animals Cool In The Heatwave

Here are our top tips for keeping your pets cool:

1. Never EVER leave pets in hot cars. Even if it's just for a short amount of time, the temperature inside a car can rise fast and quickly become dangerous.

2. Keep your furry friends hydrated - make sure their water bowl is topped up at all times and ensure they have a shady spot to relax in.

3. Pets can burn too! Luckily, you can get special sun cream for pets. You should consider applying this to their nose and the tips of their ears - any part of their body where their skin is exposed.

4. Your pets still need to exercise but take care when you take them for walks that they aren't burning their paws on the hot pavement. You can test this with your hand - if it's too hot for you to touch, it's too hot for them too. Consider taking your walks in the early morning or later in the evening when the pavement has had some time to cool down.

Make sure you stay vigilant and watch out for any signs of heatstroke in your pets. These include: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.

If you think your pet might be suffering from heatstroke get them to a vet right away.