With extreme heat warnings in place, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their animals safe in hot weather.

The advice follows concerns that cases of heat-related illness seen by vets this year could rival the significant numbers seen during the record-breaking summer of 2018, when almost two-thirds of vets reported treating animals affected by the hot weather.

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British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton 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."

Dogs may particularly struggle to stay cool in high temperatures and humid conditions since, unlike humans, they are unable to cool down quickly through sweating, making them vulnerable to overheating. Even a very short walk in the middle of the day or being locked in a car for a few minutes can prove to be fatal.