WITH the dial set at scorchio this week, Animals in Distress have complied some top tips for helping our dogs and other small pets stay cool and prevent heatstroke.

For dogs, Animals in Distress prescribe a number of measures:

- Never walk them in the heat of the day. First thing in the morning and last thing in the evening when it is cooler are the best times.

- Remember the 5 Second Rule – if you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds because it’s too hot, then it can cause serious burns to your dog’s feet.

- Never leave dogs in cars or caravans on hot days

- Offer them paddling pools to keep them cool and entertained.

- Frozen treats are good to keep them occupied and help them cool off at the same time.

- Offer them games which don’t involve running around.

- Make sure they have constant access to shady places to lie and cool off - in the heat of the day it may be even better for them to stay indoors in a cool room.

- Ice pods and cool mats provide great places for dogs to, literally, chill. Cats like to sit on them too!

- Offer your dog lots of hydration through multiple water sources.

- Flat-faced, older and unwell dogs are at the greatest risk of heatstroke, so great care should be taken not to over-exert them during hot weather.

- If your dog shows any signs of heatstroke (rapid panting, bright red or very pale tongue, weakness, diahorrhea, vomiting, dizziness, mental confusion, seizures, collapse) move them to a cool, shaded area, apply cool wet towels (change them as they become warm) and get your dog to a vet immediately - heatstroke is an emergency and can be fatal.

Pet rodents and rabbits don’t tolerate high temperatures well - most are native to cooler climates and not designed for the kind of temperatures we are now seeing - so it’s more important than ever to make sure they stay cool during a heatwave. Make sure you:

- Give them lots of shade and chilled areas (through the use of things such as fans, ice pods and ceramic tiles).

- Give them the opportunity to burrow and hydrate themselves

- Provide them with frozen fruit and veg. However never give frozen food to animals other than rats and mice, as it can give them serious health problems.

If your small animal shows signs of heatstroke (rapid breathing/panting, lethargy, refusing food, ears/feet abnormally hot to the touch, appearing wobbly and unbalanced or collapsing then bring them to a cooler place immediately.

Do not rapidly cool them by using ice or dunking them in cold water, as the shock could kill them.

You can apply cool tap water to their ears and feet only, or place them on a cool damp towel. Offer them water but don’t force them to drink.

If they don’t recover quickly after being moved to a cooler place they will need to go to the vets immediately, place a damp towel over the carrier to help keep them cool on the journey.