DOG owners are being warned to take precautions this weekend as temperatures are set to climb.
The Met Office has forecast plenty of sunshine and light winds for the bank holiday, with conditions expected to feel "very warm" for many.
However, some heavy, thundery showers are possible on Saturday.
The main risk for dog owners will be the sudden jump in temperature after a cooler start to May.
Darren Beale, CEO of Years, said warm bank holidays can be particularly risky as owners are more likely to take dogs on days out, pub garden trips, longer walks, and car journeys.
He said: "Bank holidays are when routines change.
"People are out for longer, they’re travelling more, and dogs are often brought along without much thought about how quickly heat can become dangerous.
"The biggest mistake is thinking it only matters during an official heatwave.
"Dogs can struggle in warm weather much earlier than people realise, especially in cars, direct sun, humid conditions or on hot pavements."
Mr Beale warned against leaving dogs in cars, even for a few minutes, stating this is one of the biggest risks during warm weather.
He said: "A car can become dangerously hot very quickly.
"Leaving a dog while you pop into a shop, grab a drink or queue for food can be enough time for them to become distressed. It is never worth the risk.
"If you are planning a bank holiday day out, think about whether your dog actually needs to come.
"If there’s any chance they’ll be left in the car, even briefly, they are safer at home in a cool room with water."
While not automatically illegal, leaving a dog in a car can lead to prosecution if the animal suffers or dies.
The maximum penalty for animal cruelty offences in England and Wales can include up to five years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
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