8 signs your dog is suffering from heatstroke as the Met Office predicts ‘the hottest days of the year’ UK News

The sun will hit the UK as people enjoy a four-day break with April 16-17 expected to be particularly hot.

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The Met Office predicts the ‘hottest days of the year’ this weekend

Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said: “We will generally see temperatures rise throughout the week. Today (Monday) we see highs of 18 and then from Thursday temperatures could reach 20, 21, most likely 22.

“In the southern and eastern regions, we are more likely to see sunshine and clearer skies in the afternoon.”

She added: “I think overall for the bank holiday weekend we’ll see quite well above average temperatures across the UK and hopefully could be very warm in the south- is in particular. Warmer than average for sure, but far from the heat wave. It will definitely be warmer than the week we just had and than last week.”

How to know if your dog is safe in hot weather

As Britons were warned to stay safe amid high temperatures, dog owners had to keep an eye out for their four-legged friends in extreme conditions.

The RSPCA has told owners not to walk their dogs in temperatures above 19C.

Now pet owners have been told the warning signs to watch out for by vet groups, to make sure their dog is safe as the mercury soars.

Dog owners were urged to exercise caution and keep their dogs hydrated in the extreme heat and never keep them in hot vehicles during a heat wave.

If a dog suffers from heatstroke, he will likely be short of breath. Symptoms will also include excessive panting and drooling.

Owners may also notice a change in their dog’s gums or even a change in the color of their tongue.

A dog’s tongue can turn bright red, or even dark red, if it suffers from heat stroke.

Dogs can also experience elevated body temperature which can lead to excessive thirst, vomiting, disorientation and stumbling.

Dog owners may notice weakness in their pets as well as a rapid heart rate and increased pulse rate.

To keep pets safe, they should always have access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.

On extremely hot days, pet-safe sunscreen is available to protect exposed parts of a dog’s skin, such as the tips of his ears or nose, to prevent sunburn.