Dog owners warned of 'silent killer' as pets could be put at risk in boiling weather

RSPCA expert gives tips on keeping pets cool in the heat

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

This is a copycat version of the kind made by Greenies.

The warning comes as the UK recorded the hottest day of the year so far on Wednesday.

And the weather is forecast to get even hotter with the mercury expected to reach a sizzling 34C on Friday.

"While the majority would never leave our dogs in a car on a hot day, or even take our dogs for a really long walk in the heat, many people may still be putting their dogs at risk even on a short walk, or taking them to places such as fields and beaches with little or no shade.

The cheese will melt just enough to stick to the inside of the Kong.

"We have long-campaigned that dogs die in hot cars, but this year we’re highlighting that dogs die on hot walks, too.

"The message remains very simple – never leave a dog in a hot car because ‘not long’ is too long, and when it comes to walks, 'if in doubt, don’t go out.'"

He said: “Heat-related illness can lead to organ failure, brain damage and ultimately death.

Make your own hammock-style car seat cover. The hammock style keeps the dog from getting hurt if he or she falls during any sudden stops or starts. Get the pattern here.

"Most people know that dogs die in hot cars, but the reality is that more than 10 times as many dogs need veterinary treatment for heat-related illness following exercise as for being overheated in cars.

“It can take weeks for a dog to acclimatise to hot weather, so after a spell of cold weather, periods of hot weather can be particularly dangerous.”

Every summer the RSPCA receives hundreds of reports of dogs left in sweltering cars, over exercised in the heat and with burns on their paws from pavements.

Make Yourself the Funnest Thing in the World for a Reliable Recall. When training your dog to “come here” make sure you’re giving out a lot of praise & treats. The goal is to make coming back to you the best decision they could have made, if not your dog is likely going to decide that whatever he was chasing/sniffing is more interesting.

The charity advises walking early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, or even skipping a walk.

Older dogs, those with thick fur, flat-faced breeds and those who already have health conditions can be more at risk.

Owners should check the pavement is not too hot by testing if they can comfortably hold their hand on the ground for five seconds.

Other tips from the RSPCA to keep dogs cool include having a paddling pool, using a damp towel for them to lie on and adding ice cubes to their water.

Make your own flea shampoo. 1 cup Dawn, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 quart of warm water. Massage in and let it sit for five minutes. According to one testimonial, "The fleas just floated in the water and died and best of all little Libby did not have any reactions at all to the process."

The charity is also urging people to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness so they can seek veterinary care if necessary including excessive panting, unusual breathing noises, lethargy, stumbling, and a blue or grey tinge to the gums or tongue.

Forecasters are expecting an even higher 29C in the capital on Thursday.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOUR PET: Nearly 80 million U.S. households have a pet, and 42 percent of those households have more than one, according to a 2015-2016 survey by the APPA. There are 77.8 million pet dogs in the U.S. and 85.8 million pet cats.

• Elderly rescue dog struggling in kennels desperate to find loving home
• Three 'small but mighty' chihuahuas looking for special home together
• Heartbreak for dog 'back at square one' after 2 homes fall through