AS TEMPERATURES rise across East Lancashire, an animal welfare charity have issued advice on how to keep your pets cool.

The RSPCA are expecting record numbers of phone calls this week from concerned animal-lovers as temperatures in some parts of the country are poised to hit well over 30 degrees.

And in a bid to ensure pets are well looked after, charity bosses have issued advice on how you can best look after your loved-one.

RSPCA vet Dr Michael Lazaris said: “It’s really important to take extra care of our pets during the hot weather as heat exhaustion is a life-threatening condition.

"Prevention is much better than a cure so try to keep your pets indoors or in a cool, shaded area when the temperatures are hitting 30C and higher.

“If your pet slows down, looks dazed, drools or pants excessively, vomits or even has a seizure then please speak to a vet as soon as possible as these are all symptoms of heatstroke.

“If your pet is elderly, overweight or has ongoing health problems or problems caused by extreme breeding - such as flat-faced dogs - then they can feel the effects of the heat more quickly so please keep that in mind.”

They also issued a list of some simple ways to keep your pet safe, including:

n Don’t let your pet get sunburnt - use pet-safe sun cream.

n Ensure animals have access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times.

n Check every day for flystrike.

n Keep fish tanks out of direct sunlight and top up water levels of ponds.

n Make pet-friendly ice lollies for your cats and dogs.