As temperatures are expected to soar this week, a leading charity has issued advice to keep pets cool and comfortable in the hot weather.

The heat can pose huge risks to our furry and feathered friends and with temperatures of 30C expected on Friday, June 17, the RSPCA has listed its top tips to keep pets cool.

The UK Health Security Agency has said the Level 3 alert, which was initially at Level 2, will be in place from midnight on Thursday until midnight on Saturday.

The RSPCA is urging people not to exercise their animals when it is hot.

Experts advise walking dogs in the morning or evening when it is cooler. Especially as the pavements can become extremely hot for dogs, and the advice is if it is too hot to touch with your hand, then it is too hot for your dog's paws.

East Anglian Daily Times: Sarah Lucy Brown's cockapoo puppy, Dudley, cools off in his paddling pool during hot weatherSarah Lucy Brown's cockapoo puppy, Dudley, cools off in his paddling pool during hot weather (Image: sarah lucy brown)

The charity also says people planning to spend several hours outdoors enjoying the sun should try to avoid taking their dog. It is probably best to leave them at home - but for no more than four hours.

The RSPCA is also warning people to never leave pets in vehicles, caravans, conservatories or outbuildings, as dogs - as well as other pets - can overheat and die if left in such a hot environment.

East Anglian Daily Times: The RSPCA is encouraging people not to leave dogs in vehicles as they could overheatThe RSPCA is encouraging people not to leave dogs in vehicles as they could overheat (Image: kyrien)

Some more top tips from the RSPCA are:

  • Have a go at making some frozen dog treats to keep your pooch cool;
  • Use pet safe sun cream to help protect your pets from sunburn;
  • Make sure animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times;
  • For animals that live outside, remember that the sun moves during the days and so does the shade;
  • Freeze your dog's water bowl or add ice cubes to their water;
  • Fill a paddling pool or spray a hose for your dog to play in, but always make sure you supervise them when around water;
  • Wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.

RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines, said: "Though many of us will be enjoying the hot weather, it is really important we make sure to plan how we’ll keep our pets cool and comfortable.

"It’s really important that we take extra special care of our pets and wildlife during this extremely hot weather.”