ANIMAL welfare charities are urging people to take care of their pets and wildlife ahead of Met Office amber and red weather warnings.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning from Sunday to Tuesday with temperatures set to soar to 35C in south-east England.

The RSPCA are asking pet owners to take every precaution possible to keep their animals safe during the intense heatwave.

Esme Wheeler, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “The hot weather has gone from glorious to extreme, and we can’t stress enough how vital it is that pet owners take the situation seriously.

“That means limiting or skipping walks, only taking very essential car journeys, leaving water available at all times, and preparing damp, cold towels and mats, and frozen treats.”

For garden birds, the RSPB recommends fresh water for birds to drink and bathe in.

Martin Fowlie, from the RSPB, said: “Putting a plate or bowl with fresh water on a balcony or in your garden can be the difference between life and death for garden birds.

“It also provides a source of water for birds and other wildlife like hedgehogs and insects.”

For other pets like cats and rodents, the RSPCA recommends access to shade and water at all times. Placing a cool damp towel down can provide a comfortable place for furry friends to rest on.

Ms Wheeler added: “Knowing how to try and prevent heatstroke, and also how to spot the signs of heatstroke in pets could be a matter of life and death, so we’re urging anyone with a pet - whether it’s a dog or cat, a rabbit or guinea pig, and even chickens, horses and exotic animals - to put aside some time today to read up and make plans.”

The RSPCA offers advice for different pets:

Dogs:

• Keep dogs indoors or wherever it is coolest for most of the daylight hours

• Skipping walks – it is much safer to skip a walk than put dogs at risk of heatstroke

• Take extra precautions for older dogs, those with thicker coats or flat faces, and those with existing health conditions

• Keep fresh, cool water available at all times

• Use cold treats from the fridge for added moisture

• Freeze your dog’s water bowl or add ice cubes to your pet’s bowl

• Wrap an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.

Cats:

• Pop a cool damp towel down in case your cat finds this comfortable to rest on

• Create shady spots with boxes or old umbrellas

• Put extra bowls of water out

Rodents

• Ensure rabbits and guinea pigs have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times, and remember that as the sun moves during the day so too does the shade. Somewhere that was shaded in the morning could be in full sun by the afternoon.

• Freeze a semi-full plastic bottle of water and wrap it in a towel so your pets can lie against it

The RSPB’s advice for wildlife:

• Leave a bowl of fresh drinking water in your garden or on a balcony for birds and other wildlife

• Top up water levels of ponds

• Keep an eye out for wildlife when using lawnmowers