Crewe and Nantwich is preparing for temperatures as high as 30°C this late May bank holiday, with the RSPCA providing pet top advice for the hot conditions.

A yellow health warning for the North West has been issued by the UK's Health Security Agency, from 2pm on Friday 22 May to 5pm on Wednesday 27 May.

High temperatures can even be life-threatening for pets, with heatstroke a big risk, and occurs when an animal can no longer lower their own body temperature.

Beyond that risks like flystrike (where flies lay eggs on animals) and sunburn can be a real danger amid the sunshine.

But taking simple preventive steps can ensure furry friends enjoy the warm weather with their owners safely.

As part of the RSPCA's Summer of Kindness, the animal welfare charity is asking pet owners and animal lovers to do a kind act for pets by supporting them during summer heatwaves.

High temperatures can even be life-threatening for pets, with heatstroke a big risk, and occurs when an animal can no longer lower their own body temperature (Photo: RSPCA).

RSPCA pet welfare expert, Lauren Bennett, said: "Though many of us will be looking forward to this week's spell of sunny, hot weather, for our pets it can be a different story - and it's really important we make sure to plan how we'll keep them cool and comfortable.

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"We've had a bit of a chilly start to May, and with this hot spell coinciding with the Bank Holiday and half term, it's tempting for us to take advantage and spend lots of time outside with our families and take our pets.

"Kind acts for your pets, however small, combine to create a more compassionate world for all animals, and every kind act for animals is a vote for a better world for them."

What you'll need

• A fresh water bowl refilled regularly
• Ice cubes or frozen treats
• Pet-safe sunscreen
• Damp towels or ice packs
• Grooming brush

Prepare the home environment

Start by ensuring your pet has constant access to shaded areas and fresh, cold water.

You can drop ice cubes into their bowls or freeze a toy full of treats to keep them hydrated and entertained.

If you have cats, always double-check sheds and greenhouses before locking them, as pets often seek shade in these dangerous "heat traps".

In the UK, when it's just 22C outside, temperatures inside a car, conservatory or shed can reach a fatal 47C within minutes.

Manage exercise and outdoor time

Apply physical cooling and protection

Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose and ear tips, especially for white-coated animals - pets can get sunburnt too, and too much UV exposure can increase their risk of skin cancer.

To lower their body temperature, provide damp towels for them to lie on or wrapped ice packs. For grooming, brush your pet regularly to thin out their undercoat and remove dead fur, which acts as unwanted insulation in the heat.

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Monitor for emergency signs

Watch your pet closely for symptoms of heatstroke, such as heavy panting, excessive drooling, vomiting or having diarrhoea or uncoordinated movement.

Don't place damp towels directly on their body, as this can trap heat and worsen their condition - you can place wet towels beneath your pet, and focus on pouring cool water all over their body.

Check rabbits and other small mammals rear end twice a day, keeping it clean and well groomed, to prevent flystrike during the warm months.