Animal charities and local vets are warning owners not to let their pets suffer in the sun – and to never leave them in vehicles.

Ipswich Star: Local vets are warning owners not to let their pets suffer in the sun Picture: RSPCALocal vets are warning owners not to let their pets suffer in the sun Picture: RSPCA (Image: Archant)

Animal charities and local vets are warning owners not to let their pets suffer in the sun – and to never leave them in vehicles.

The weather has been hotting up this weekend with temperatures set to soar up to 30C in some areas later this week. While we may enjoy the hot weather, some of our pets and other animals may struggle in the heat.

In some cases, it can even be deadly for pets, so owners need to be extra vigilant when temperatures rise.

Excessive panting, anxious pacing or, in severe cases, collapsing or convulsing can be signs that your pet could be suffering from heat stroke and you should contact your vet immediately.

Eastgate Veterinary Group in Bury St Edmunds expects to see an increase in the number of pets coming into its surgery with heat-related symptoms and they are urging owners never to leave pets unattended in cars.

Vets are also warning owners to be cautious when having a barbecue, which can be dangerous to pets. Dogs should never be left unattended near a hot barbecue in case they jump up to steal food and other common reasons for a trip to the vet include dogs suffering injuries from swallowing skewers or becoming ill by eating food that is poisonous to pets or high in fat.

RSPCA operational superintendent Lee Hopgood said: “There is a very serious side to keeping pets cool over summer as animals can suffer from heatstroke which could be fatal, especially if left in a hot car, conservatory or caravan.

“Pets may struggle to realise when they are too hot so make sure they have constant access to shade and don’t over exercise them in the heat.

“Remember if the pavement is too hot for your hand then it will be too hot for their paws.”

Some of the RSPCA centres have come up with ingenious ideas for keeping pets cool which you can try at home.

Freezing a dog’s water bowl before putting water or treats in keeps them cool for longer. Putting ice cubes into your dog or cat’s water bowl or making some tasty ice cube treats is another fantastic idea.

Damp towels for your pet to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel could provide a welcome relief from the heat.

At RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre in Cambridgeshire, the staff have been keeping the animals in their care cool with some special iced treats and a paddling pool.

For advice, or if your pet has been affected by sun, contact your vet immediately.

Tips on how to keep pets safe in hot temperatures:

• Never leave your pet unattended in the car, conservatory or outbuildings.

• Make sure your pet drinks plenty of water

• Watch for heat stroke

• Avoid hot pavements when walking your dog

• Stay out of the midday sun

• Watch what they eat