Dog owners are being warned to be careful about walking their dogs in the hot weather - and never leave them in the car. 

Temperatures today range from 17 to 20 degrees celsius, and are expected to remain so in the coming days.  

Dog Trust member Aideen O’Connor warned that higher temperatures pose higher risks for pets.  

“We always really stress never ever leaving your dog in a car, no matter what the temperature is,” she said.  

“Beyond that it's exercising in the coolest part of the day, and if you're worried at all, not exercising on those days and just [taking] shorter walks.” 

Breeds at risk

Purebred dogs are most at risk in hotter weather, with border collies, springer spaniels, labradoodles and French bulldogs at the highest risk.  

Labrador retrievers, cockapoos, English cocker spaniels, German shepherds and golden retrievers are also at high risk of heatstroke in temperatures above 20 degrees.  

If a dog is suffering from heatstroke, they will likely be short of breath. Symptoms will also include excessive panting and drooling.  

Owners may also notice a change in their dog’s gums or even a change in colour of their tongue. 

Met Éireann confirmed yesterday the “quite summery” weather would continue for the coming weeks.  

“It looks like, from our modelling, that the first week in June looks pretty good,” Ms Cusack told Newstalk. 

“Even for the second week of June, we’d be reasonably certain there’s going to be an easterly airflow coming in from the continent as opposed to from the Atlantic.”