As temperatures in the UK climb higher, it's worth being able to spot when your pets are having a tough time of it.
The Met Office says that as we hop from April to May, temperatures in some parts of the UK are set to climb up to 27 degrees and perhaps even 28.
Those are high temperatures, though not quite in the territory to be calling it a heatwave yet, and you will want to plan accordingly for the springtime heat that feels like a scorching summer day.
The usual things you can do are staying hydrated, putting on the suntan lotion and keeping your windows shut during the day to keep hot air out and opening them at night to let cooler air in.
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While there's all sorts of preparations you can make, your beloved pets aren't going to know what hit them so learn the signs that they're struggling.
Excessive panting
Did you know that cats and dogs don't sweat like humans?
Only a handful of animals including horses, apes and hippos actually sweat like we do to regulate their body temperature, the rest of them have to find other ways to cool themselves down.
If your pet is panting then it's likely trying to cool itself down, and if it's panting a lot then that probably means it's really warm and is trying very hard to get some of that heat out.
The more they pant the more they're trying to cool down, and if they're drooling a lot that's another sign to watch out for.
Pale or red gums
If your pet is suffering from heatstroke then its gums or tongue may go bright red to show there's been an increased blood flow as the animal attempts to cool down its body.
Should your pet's gums be pale and sticky then that also might be a sign that the animal needs water and a chance to cool down.
Be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, you know what their quirks and foibles are so when you see something wrong you can get in touch with a vet and get your pet some help.
Even if you think you've cooled them back down again and they're fine once more you should look at getting them checked over to make sure everything is as good on the inside as it seems on the outside.
If you're worried then you should do as the British Veterinary Association says and get in touch with your local vet.
Appearing confused
You know your pets better than anyone else, so if they seem out of sorts then you should make sure they're not too hot.
If they seem to be struggling mentally, are displaying signs of dizziness and appear uncoordinated then you should look after them properly.
Looking after your pet in this condition involves getting them out of the heat, making sure they have plenty of water to drink and spraying their skin with tepid water.
Don't use ice cold water as that can just make things worse, and then fan the animal to keep it cool.
Collapsing
This one ought to be a major cause for concern and definitely a reason to go and see a vet.
If your pet is struggling to stand then it may collapse altogether, and that's a big sign that your beloved animal companion is really in danger.
In some cases your pet may be too weak to get back up, and it could even end up falling into a coma.
Other signs pets are too hot are vomiting, diarrhea (potentially with blood) and seizures.
Obese animals, those with thicker coats and breeds of cats and dogs that have trouble breathing are more at risk.
Joe Harker