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RSPCA issues warning to dog-owners to protect their pets during heatwave

Hot day with dog. Thirsty yellow labrador retriever drinking water from the plastic bottle his owner.
The RSPCA has warned dog-owners not to walk their pets during the heatwave

As temperatures soar above 30 degrees in the UK the RSPCA has issued a warning not to walk dogs during the heatwave.

Friday is set to be the hottest day of the year so far, with the mercury hitting 35 degrees in some parts of England. Saturday is expected to be even hotter, with temperatures reaching 37 degrees.

The RSPCA said: “Dogs need exercise, even when it's hot. We recommend walking your dog in the morning or evening when it's cooler to reduce the risk of heatstroke and burning their paws on the pavement.”

The charity has also warned owners never to leave animals in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans, even if it's just for a short while. Temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments which can be deadly.

The RSPCA has warned dog-owners of the dangers animals face during a heatwave (RSPCA)
The RSPCA has warned dog-owners of the dangers animals face during a heatwave (RSPCA)

In 2018 almost 8,300 emergency calls were made concerning animals trapped in hot cars.

The RSPCA advice continues: “You can also keep your pets safe by using a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pets skin, and of course, by providing plenty of access to shade and fresh water.”

Read More from Yahoo News UK:

What should you do if you see a dog in a hot car?

The charity advises owners to check animals regularly for flystrike - a painful, sometimes fatal, condition caused by flies laying eggs on another animal, which hatch into maggots and eat their 'hosts' flesh.

Animal lovers can help their pets cool down by putting ice cubes in their water bowl or by providing damp towels for them to lie on.

An Adult Springer Spaniel Dog Sleeping. (Photo by: Universal Education/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Owners have been advised to encourage their pet to rest in the shade on a damp towel (Universal Education/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The current hottest August day on record is 38.5 Celsius, reached in Faversham, Kent, on August 10th 2003. The current record maximum temperature for the UK is 38.7 Celsius, reached in Cambridge Botanic Garden on 25 July 2019.

The Met Office has issued a heat health alert for parts of England into next week as the heatwave looks set to continue.

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