As temperatures rise to record levels,  it’s not just our cats and dogs we need to keep a close eye on.

Small furries like guinea pigs, rabbits and rodents need to be checked on regularly too.

Here are our top tips for making sure small furries remain safe, happy and healthy during the heatwave.

- Keep your small pet out of direct sunlight. Never leave cages, runs or hutches in the heat.
 

- Never leave any pet (and that includes bigger ones too) in greenhouses, conservatories and other glass buildings. Temperatures can soar very quickly and become dangerous.
 

- Provide extra water. Just like us, our pets will drink more so make sure they have a constant, fresh supply.
 

- Provide plenty of shade in their enclosures and remember the sun moves across during the day so this will change. Areas that were shaded in the morning may be in full sun in the afternoon.
 

- Freeze a semi-full plastic bottle of water and wrap it in a towel so your pet can lie against it. If you have a guinea pig or rabbit, you can leave this in their exercise area. For small rodents, place it on the outside of their enclosure.
 

- Check your pet regularly for flystrike – a painful and sometimes fatal condition caused by flies laying their eggs on another animal. If you suspect your pet is suffering from this, contact your local vet immediately.
 

- If you suspect your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool, shaded place, wrap them in a cool, damp towel and contact your vet immediately. 

• Please call RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 if an animal is in danger of harm due to suffering cruelty or neglect or is sick, injured or trapped and needs help.
• If you see a dog in a hot car call 999 immediately. Every minute counts.