IRISH pet owners have been issued a key safety warning ahead of scorching temperatures of up to 30C this week.
With the heat blast expected to last well into next week, pet owners have been reminded of an important “five-second rule.”
Met Eireann said the good conditions will get underway properly from tomorrow in a mostly dry 24C day.
Kenneth McDonagh Donegal Weather Channel said: “Temperatures set to rise to 30C by the weekend.
“The deeper we get into this week the warmer it will get with every passing day with a real improvement from Wednesday and temperatures into the high 20s even low 30s by the weekend.”
With the hot weather now guaranteed, many experts are sharing tips on how to protect pets from the heat.
At Petinsurance.ie, they explain that most pets cannot sweat like humans do. For dogs and sometimes cats, panting is a vital method for cooling down.
However, when the temperature outside gets close to their body temperature, panting becomes ineffective, and the risk of heat stroke arises.
Flat-nosed dog breeds such as pugs or cats such as persians are particularly susceptible.
Among their key recommendations is “The Five Second Rule”.
The rule, which advises owners to check if the ground is too hot to walk their pet by holding a hand against it for five seconds, is recommended by a number of agencies, including DogsTrust.
Other recommendations include allowing access to fresh air and water, protection from direct sunlight and scheduling exercise for cooler times of the day.
Experts also recommend that owners keep up to date with flea treatments, as fleas and ticks thrive in warmer weather.
Head of Pet at Petinsurance.ie, Andrew Simpson explained that it is essential to monitor your pet’s condition during hot weather.
He said: “We need to pay attention to the experts when they predict warmer conditions – each small increase can have an impact on our pets and raise the risk of dehydration, lethargy or even sunburn, as well as creating ideal conditions for infestations of unwelcome visitors like fleas and ticks.
“Early signs of heat stroke to look out for include heavy panting, restlessness and lack of coordination.
“If the weather is warm and your pet exhibits any of these behaviours, take them to a cool place and give them a drink of water before seeking veterinary advice.”
He added that Petinsurance.ie policy holders benefit from a 24/7 veterinary helpline which provides advice on everything from heatstroke to behavioural issues.
