The RSPCA is urging dog owners to take urgent steps to keep their animals safe during the intense heatwave.

The charity has released https://spaces.hightail.com/space/yZaeC5T2XJ showing how quickly the temperature of pavements can rise.

The video shows pavements can reach a shocking 60 degrees which can cause harm to a dog's paws. 

And they are also reminding pet owners not to leave dogs alone in a car on a warm day as cars can become as hot as an oven.

The RSPCA's dog welfare expert, Esme Wheeler said: "This weather is extreme and it's a life or death situation for some people, let alone animals, who rely on us to help them survive the intense temperatures.

"We all have a duty to take every precaution possible. These days of extreme hot weather need to be taken very seriously and that means staying inside or wherever it is coolest, skipping walking dogs and riding horses, and doing everything we can to provide shade and fresh water for wildlife.

"Our video shows just how hot the pavements alone can get - they become 'paw-scorching' and are a huge risk to animals.

Keep dogs cool during the intense heat

Essential steps to help animals during the intense heat:

• Provide several water bowls around the home for pets to drink often.
• Place containers of water outside for wild animals.
• Do not take your dog on a car journey unless absolutely necessary.
• Try to keep at least one room in the home as cool as possible by closing curtains or using a fan (out of reach) to encourage good airflow. 
• Check pets and outdoor animals such as chickens and small furries every hour for signs of heatstroke, fly-strike or sunburn and keep water topped up.
• Do not take your dog out for a walk or exercise - it may be possible to take them for a gentle walk on the lead when the sun has gone down either early morning or late at night.
• Keep toilet breaks for dogs very brief and try to stick to shaded spots as much as you possibly can. 
• If your dog, cat or small furry looks uncomfortable , try wrapping an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel and place it near them to lie next to, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.
• Dogs die in hot cars. Call 999 in an emergency if you see a dog in a hot car.

Esme 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 signs of heatstroke every dog owner NEEDS to know:

• Excessive panting 
• Unusual breathing noise
• Lethargy or change in behaviour 
• Stumbling
• Blue or grey tinge to gums or tongue
• Contact your vet immediately if you spot any of these signs in your dog

What to do if your dog is showing signs of heatstroke:

• Stop them from exercising
• Move them into the shade or cool space immediately
• Offer water in small amounts
• Lay them in cool but not very cold water and/or pour it over them
• Place a soaked, cool towel over their side and replace if it becomes warm
• Speak to your vet straight away for advice on what to do next

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Never leave your dog alone in a car on a warm day. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, dial 999.

"Many people think it's ok to leave their dog in the car if they're parked in the shade or the windows are open but a car can become as hot as an oven, even when the weather doesn't feel that warm.

"When it's 22 degrees Celsius outside, the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. It's very dangerous and will cause your dog suffering and harm."