Animal charities across the UK have warned pet owners about rising temperatures, which can prove deadly to animals if they are not managed correctly.
The RSPCA is urging dog owners to be aware of the dangers of walking their pets – especially ones with thick coats and underlying health conditions – during warmer temperatures.
The Blue Cross meanwhile urged cat owners to be careful when leaving windows open after a kitten fell from three storeys and fractured her leg.
The Met Office predicted temperatures across the UK could soar to highs of 34 degrees in certain spots.
In southern parts of the UK temperatures will reach 30c and even 34c in certain parts.
Wales and the South West could see the mercury rise to 25C, 28C in the North West and 27C in the North East.
The RSPCA advises dog owners to provide their pets with cooling pads
Kirsty O'Connor
Cats are to be kept indoors in the peak heat of the day
Laura Dale
RSPCA Dog Welfare Specialist, Esme Wheeler, said: "The truth is walking dogs in hot weather can be a silent killer.
“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.
“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.’”
The warning follows an announcement from the Blue Cross, who said Dory, a 16-week old kitten, was found by her owner after she fell from a window in Pimlico, central London, during a spate of hot weather on May 18.
The kitten sustained catastrophic injuries leading to the amputation of one of her legs.
The 16-week old kitten was placed into care following the incident, with the Blue Cross stating they hope to put the cat up for adoption in the coming weeks.
Pet owners are advised to cool pets down, by keeping cats inside during the peak heat of the day, and to provide dogs with cooling pads.
Senior Press Officer at the Met Office, Nicky Maxey, said some places may see a heatwave later this week.
A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days of with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies in each county.
Ms Maxey said: “We are seeing a build of heat day on day as we go through the rest of the week, with Friday potentially being the warmest day of the week.
“We could see temperatures rise to the low 30s and up to 34C in the South East. Then we see a change of weather from Saturday with a cold front pushing down from the North, which will bring a dip in temperatures but also a chance of rain along the front.
“It really depends on how quickly that front moves as to how quickly we all lose the heat.”
She added: “There is a possibility that we may see three consecutive days of 25C for some of the northern and western counties. The likelihood of seeing three consecutive days for the temperatures that are needed in London is lower.
“I think, rather than a sort of widespread heatwave for the whole of the south, we might see some isolated areas that could reach the thresholds.”
