VETS are advising owners to stick to “sunscreen, shade, and sunset walkies” during the heatwave.

Owners are advised not to take their dogs for a walk during the day.

Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat, and are vulnerable to over-heating.

Flat-faced breeds – such as English or French bulldogs and pugs – are at even greater risk because their short muzzles can make breathing difficult, and so they struggle to cool down through panting.

Overweight animals and densely coated animals are also at increased risk.

Rabbits and guinea pigs cannot sweat or pant, so owners must not expose their hutch or run to direct sunlight.

Justine Shotton, president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), said: “While most of us look forward to warmer weather, our pets can suffer in high temperatures and humid conditions.

“Each year, vets across the country report seeing large numbers of cases involving pets who require treatment for heat-related conditions, and this saw a noticeable jump during the record-breaking heat of 2018.

“Vets know that dogs in particular won’t stop enjoying themselves and exercising because it is hot, so it’s up to owners to do all they can to prevent overheating happening in this heatwave.

This includes making sure pets aren’t walked or exercised in the middle of a hot day or left inside a hot car or conservatory for even a little while, as ‘not long’ can prove fatal.

“If you’re concerned about your pet in the hot weather, we’d recommend contacting your vet immediately.”

Shotton added: “The best way to prevent sunburn is to avoid excessive sunlight exposure but, if that isn’t possible, you should apply pet-appropriate sunscreen 10-15 minutes before exposure.

“Products that are waterproof, with a high sun-protection factor (SPF) (30 or higher) and containing titanium dioxide are suitable and should be applied as a thin smear.”

The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has also issued advice for gardeners who want to help wildlife cope with the heatwave.

Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We hope our tips will give people lots of inspiration on how to make their garden a haven for wildlife this summer.

“We’d also like to remind the public that simply tidying away any football and badminton netting, fishing equipment, paddling pools and securing hot tubs could be the difference between life and death for some of Scotland’s wildlife.

“Our animal rescue officers regularly attend incidents of fledglings stuck in paddling pools or hot tubs and hedgehogs and fox cubs stuck in football netting.

“Please enjoy the summer months, but please also be vigilant so that visiting wildlife can too.

“If anyone finds an animal in distress, they should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”

Tips offered by the charity as part of its “Take a walk on the wild side” partnership with housebuilder Cala Homes include:

Read more stories on Scottish Field’s news pages.

Plus, don’t miss an in-depth look at Shetland’s otters in the August issue of Scottish Field magazine .

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