Pet owners are being warned to take care ahead of a heatwave.

Congleton Veterinary Centre have urged dog walkers in Congleton to keep an eye on their furry friends as they enjoy the sun this weekend.

It comes as temperatures are set to rise as high as 30 degrees on Friday and Saturday (June 20 and 21).

A spokesperson for Congleton Veterinary Centre said: "It's important to remember that dogs don't die from missing a walk, but they can become seriously unwell from going out in hot weather.

"Check the temperature of the tarmac using the back of your hand before taking dogs out in warm weather as hot pavements can burn their paws."

The British Veterinary Association has shared some top tips for pet owners (Credit: Pixabay)

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert for the North West.

This came into effect at midday on Thursday (June 19) and will remain in place until 9am on Monday (June 23).

With this in mind, the British Veterinary Association has shared several tips to ensure owners keep their pets safe in the heat.

British Veterinary Association's hot weather tips

• Make sure all pets always have access to fresh water to drink, adequate ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times. Provide them with a cool mat and fan and keep frozen water bottles covered in towels in their living space. For rabbits and guinea pigs, you can provide extra shade by covering the top of wire mesh runs with damp towels. Lightly misting rabbits' ears with cold water is also an effective way to help cool them, as long as this doesn't stress them. 
• Don't exercise dogs in the hottest parts of the day: especially older dogs, overweight dogs, flat-faced breeds or dogs that you know have heart or lung problems. Stick to early morning or late evening walks. 
• Do the five-second tarmac test before taking a dog out for a walk- put your palm flat on the tarmac for five seconds, and if it feels too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog's paws. 
• Never leave dogs in vehicles. If you see a dog in distress inside a hot car, call 999. 
• Watch out for early signs of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or very pale gums, and lack of coordination. Signs of heatstroke in rabbits include drooling, salivating, lethargy, short and shallow breaths, red and warm ears, wet nose and seizures. 
• If heatstroke or any other heat-related condition is suspected, take your pets to a cool, well-ventilated place, give it small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water to drink, and pour room-temperature water over it to cool it down. Seek immediate advice from your vet. 
• Spare a thought for wild animals. Keep out shallow bowls of water for wildlife such as birds and hedgehogs. 

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