Dog owners are being urged to do a five second test before heading out in the sun during hot weather.
As temperatures heat up in some parts of the UK, owners should take care with their pets to keep them safe in warm weather.
That's because heat could cause them to develop heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Dogs are unable to sweat like humans and have to rely on panting to release the excess heat from their body but this can prove challenging when they have a thick layer of fur.
One way owners can keep their dog out of harms way is to do a simple test on the ground before deciding whether to head out in the heat, The Mirror reports.
Alison Thomas, senior veterinary Surgeon at the Blue Cross hospital, in Victoria, told the Mirror: "A simple test to check if the tarmac is too hot to walk your dog is to take your own shoes off and stand on the path.
"If you are unable to keep your feet on the path for five seconds, then it is not safe to walk your dog."
Owners should also carry water with you at all times, while avoiding being outside during the hottest time of the day, from 11am to 3pm.
Alison added "While we enjoy the sunshine and warm weather this week it is important to make sure our pets are kept safe.
"They can quickly overheat and sometimes this can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.
"Walk your dog at the cooler times of the day, either first thing in the morning or early evening and if your dog is one that needs a long walk to burn off excess energy, find other ways to stimulate them instead."
Suggesting a similar technique, a spokeswoman from The Moon Valley Canine Training center, in Northern California, said: "Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog."
Dogs with fairer skin are also more like to get skin damage from too much direct sunlight, so the Blue Cross advises putting a T-shirt on their vulnerable areas, as well as applying non-toxic doggy sun block to their skin.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs
- Panting heavily
- Drooling excessively
- Appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Vomiting
- Collapsing
- Diarrhoea
A Blue Cross statement reads: "For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered, but this needs to be done gradually or they can go into shock.
"If your dog has collapsed, or is struggling to breathe, call a vet immediately as they may advise attending as a matter of emergency rather than starting treatment yourself.
"Think twice about any car trips with your dog. If you do have to travel with your dog, plan your journey. Consider travelling at cooler times of the day, identify places to take breaks, and avoid congested roads or busy times of day when you could get caught in traffic.
"Never leave your dog in a vehicle. In just 20 minutes, a dog could die in a hot car. Winding a window down is not enough to help your dog stay cool."
