Dogs Trust has warned dog owners to never leave them in a parked car on a warm day.
Met Eireann's warning of very warm and humid conditions - reaching 24 degrees tomorrow and up to 27 degrees on Thursday and Friday.
Dogs Trust says there are serious dangers to leavings them inside unattended when it's hot outside.
Even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal to your dog.
Dogs Trust says Dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, so this heat can quickly become dangerous for them.
The charity has issued the following advice:
- Never, ever leave your dog in a car in warm weather, even if it feels cool outside – parking in the shade with a window down does very little to lower the temperature inside a car.
- Avoid walking your dog at the hottest time of the day – often morning and later in the evening can be cooler.
- Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water, you can add ice cubes to help keep it cooler for longer.
- Always take plenty of water with you when out and about with your dog.
- Make sure your dog has shaded areas to cool off in, both indoors and outdoors.
- Think twice about any car trips with your dog - avoid congested roads or busy times of day when they could overheat in the car if you are caught up in traffic.
- Avoid long car journeys in hot weather, if you need to travel, avoid the heat of the day and use a sunblind for shade.
- Don’t allow your dog to get too much sun. Just like people, they can get sunburnt too – especially dogs with white or very thin coats.
- Be extra vigilant with younger, older, overweight dogs and those with breathing difficulties as they are more prone to overheating.
