With the Met Office forecasting temperatures of 33 degrees in London this week, pets are at risk of suffering in these extreme conditions, according to Medivet & Partners.

91% of London dog owners are concerned about their dog overheating during periods of hot weather, a new survey by Medivet & Partners reveals.

The survey found that only 59% of pet owners were aware that excessive panting was a sign of heatstroke in dogs, with 48% identifying difficulty breathing and 43% identifying lethargy or weakness as signs.

At such high temperatures dogs can no longer regulate their body temperature, and it doesn't take long for heatstroke to set in.

Medivet & Partners, one of the UK's leading veterinary care providers, is urging owners to make sure they're aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as the temperature soars in the city.

It says that symptoms to look out for include:

• Excessive panting
• Excessive thirst
• Very red gums
• Rapid heart rate
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Staggering, weakness or collapsing

To help pet owners in the city keep their furry friends safe and comfortable in the scorching heat, Dr Vishaal Corpaul MRCVS Branch Partner at Kensington 24 Hour, is urging owners to follow these six tips to ensure the safety of their pets during the heatwave.

1) Avoid public transport

Dr Corpaul said: "Whilst public transport is a necessity for many commuters, it's important to consider whether to bring your pet with you in extreme heat.

"With recorded temperatures of up to 47C on the tube in the summer, London transport can be too hot for dogs to safely travel. At 40C, your dog can no longer regulate their body temperature, and it doesn't take long for heatstroke to set in.

"If possible, avoid public transport with your dog completely on very hot days, or only take very short journeys if it's a necessity, ensuring they have access to water."

2) Adjust your walking routine

Dr Corpaul said: "It's important to remember to walk your dog early in the morning, or in the evening when the ground is cooler on their paws and be sure to keep walks shorter than usual, as too much physical exertion can cause your dog to overheat and become dehydrated.

"On extremely hot days, dogs will benefit from skipping a walk completely, as evenings and early mornings are still hot enough to trigger heatstroke.

"If you're not sure if the pavements are too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If you struggle to hold it down, it's too hot to walk your dog."

3) Keeping cool inside

Dr Corpaul said: "Many Londoners may be restricted to little outdoor space, so it's important to keep your dogs cool, as your property heats up during the day.

"Setting up fans across your apartment can provide a refreshing place to retreat too when your dog gets too warm. Always keep oscillating fans and exposed cables out of paws reach to keep your dog safe."

4) Be mindful taking your dog swimming

Dr Corpaul said: "Whilst London is packed full of water spots for your dog to have a swim, such as the Hampstead Heath Dog Pond, or certain areas of the Thames, make sure you're confident in your dog's ability in the water before they jump in.

"Keep dogs well away from any lakes or ponds that you know or suspect to be contaminated with blue-green algae, a type of bacteria that clumps together in bodies of standing freshwater like lakes and can be extremely harmful to dogs.

"Make sure to completely dry off your dog afterwards, checking their ears for signs of infection afterwards. Signs of an ear infection include a foul odour, excessive head shaking and itching of the ear. Check your pet's ears regularly to spot an issue early."

5) Provide access to fresh drinking water

Dr Corpaul said: "Dogs and cats need to drink plenty of water during warm weather, and it is essential to provide fresh clean water whether at home, in the garden, or out on walks, to prevent dehydration.

"You can encourage your pet to drink more than usual with running taps, multiple water bowls, or even by purchasing a play pool.

"Proactively soaking your pet, by encouraging them to play in a pool, can also help prevent heatstroke and is often a fun activity for your dog on days when they are missing a walk because of the high temperatures."

6) Apply pet friendly suncream

Dr Corpaul said: "Like humans, pets can suffer from sunburn if they're not properly protected, and breeds with short or white hair, or with pink ears are more at risk.

"To help keep them protected, you can purchase animal friendly suncream and apply it to the sensitive areas, including the nose, lips, tips of the ears and belly, but always ensure your pet is in the shade, or the coolest part of the house during the hottest time of the day."

For more advice and information on Medivet & Partners, visit its website here.