A Cavan vet has warned pet owners to be "mindful" during hot periods of weather.
Niamh Farrell of the Cavan Pet Hospital, says not bringing your pet for a walk during the warmest part of the day, checking the temperature of tarmac with your hand and keeping them in the shade will help prevent your pet from falling ill to heat stroke.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Niamh said it was "unfortunate" that vets still receive calls in relation to incidents were pets, particularly dogs, have been left inside a vehicle during warm spells of weather.
The local vet described such incidents as "very serious" and advised pet-owners to avoid taking their animal on unnecessary car journeys, no matter how quick they are.
She warned that animals experience heat at a "much greater" level than humans, and outlined a number of warning signs that indicate your pet may be suffering from early symptoms of heart stroke:
