Protect your pets during hot weather with simple 'five second rule'

The UK is bracing for a heatwave with temperatures expected to soar to 30C on Friday afternoon. The majority of the country will bask in warm weather above 25C towards the end of the week, before a slight cool down over the weekend.

Starting from Thursday, the southern regions of the country will enjoy hot weather with temperatures nearing 30C, while Scotland and the north of England will experience slightly cooler conditions with temperatures around 21C. Given the rising temperatures and the intense sunshine that accompanies it, it's crucial to stay prepared and maintain good health during hot weather spells.

Not only do we need to ensure we stay cool and hydrated to avoid heatstroke, but it's equally important to help our pets cope with the hot summer days.

The RSPCA has highlighted signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats which include heavy panting and difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, appearing lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated, vomiting and collapsing.

To help pet owners in navigating their pets through the hot weather, VetsDigital has shared a list on social media of several measures you can take to prevent your dog or cat from suffering heatstroke.

Their first tip was to create homemade ice lollies that are pet friendly, allowing your furry friends to also enjoy the cooling relief they provide. In the photo, they had inserted a stick-like dog treat into a small pot of yoghurt to create a dog-friendly lolly.

For feline friends, a nifty trick is to freeze lickable treat sachets and let them enjoy the icy delight to beat the heat.

Always conduct thorough research to ensure you're choosing an appropriate frozen snack for your pet, whether it's a store-bought option or a homemade concoction.

Despite dogs needing regular strolls and exercise, sometimes skipping the lengthy walk is wiser if the mercury soars too high.

The RSPCA endorses the "5-second pavement rule" to judge if the ground is too scorching for a dog's walk. If placing the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds is unbearable, then it's also too hot for your pooch's pads, as pavements can sizzle under the sun, risking burns to their paws.

This advice applies equally to cats and any other pets you might consider taking for a walk.

Cooling accessories like mats are readily available at pet shops and online platforms such as Amazon, offering an affordable solution to keep your pets chilled and safe from heatstroke.

These cooling mats typically incorporate 'pressure-activated gel technology' that aids in balancing heat exchange and conduction between the pet's body, the air, and the mat itself. They absorb the animal's body heat, helping to fend off dehydration and overheating during sweltering weather.

The mat can serve as a bed, crate, kennel, sofa, floor or car seat cooling pad for dogs, cats or any other pet. It can also function as a pet pillow or seat cushion.

If you don't have a cooling mat, a good alternative is to dampen a towel and freeze it. In addition to cooling mats, investing in a cooling jacket or vest can help keep your pet cool outdoors.

If you wish to take your dog for a walk and have adhered to the RSPCA's guide on ensuring the pavement temperature isn't too hot, it's also recommended to consider the location of your walk.

VetsDigital suggests walking in shaded areas, like forests, to avoid direct sunlight which could cause heatstroke in pets.

However, it's still crucial to bring ample water for your pup and try to limit strenuous exercise, such as running, to maintain their body temperature.

Frozen snacks and treats are another excellent method to ensure your pet stays cool. While freezing their regular treats is a good way to create homemade frozen treats and ice lollies, sometimes just frozen fruit will suffice.

For this, it's vital to research what your specific pet can and cannot eat, as some fruits may be toxic for pets, or unhealthy in larger quantities.

However, a simple solution to cool down your dog could be to offer them a frozen strawberry from the freezer, suggests VetsDigital.

If you've opted to keep your pet indoors during the sunny days, drawing your curtains is an easy method to block the sun's heat from entering your home.

To further enhance the indoor temperature for both pets and humans, fans are another straightforward way to reduce the heat inside.

Positioning fans near open windows can also help expel the hot air from inside, replacing it with fresh and sometimes slightly cooler air from outside.

Just as with humans, it's crucial for pets to stay hydrated when it's hot outside. This not only prevents them from becoming dehydrated but also helps cool them down.

Adding ice cubes is also suggested to keep them even cooler.

You can also add a splash of water into your pet's food to ensure they remain hydrated.

It's equally important to provide extra water for smaller animals, such as hamsters and bunnies, who also need more water during hotter days.

If you're out for a walk during the slightly cooler parts of the day, VetsDigital encourages pet owners to allow their dogs to take a supervised dip in a river or lake to cool off.

If you don't live near a body of water, this can also be achieved with a paddling pool in the garden, or even a washing up bowl filled with water.

Speaking to The Independent, PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing offered advice on keeping dogs cool, saying: "There are a lot of fun and inventive things that you can do to help keep your dog comfortable on a hot day. Filling a shallow paddling pool or washing up bowl with cold water can give your dog a much-needed chance to cool their paws."

Ensure there's plenty of shade if you're outside with your dogs - they need a cool spot to avoid sunburn and the sweltering heat. While enjoying the sunshine, make certain your pet can retreat to a shady spot when necessary and encourage them to remain there, possibly by putting their favourite toys or bedding in the shady area.

The RSPCA advises cooling down your pet as much as possible at home before rushing them to the nearest vet if you suspect they are suffering from heatstroke.