PET owners were today placed on red alert as weather forecasters predicted the first summer heatwave would send temperatures soaring over the weekend.

THE RSPCA is already considering cruelty charges against the owners of a dog who died of suspected heatstroke after being left in a conservatory in Essex, while it also highlighted the case of five ornamental carp that suffered sunburn after their pond almost dried up.

RSPCA chief vet Chris Laurence said: "Rapidly rising temperatures give animals little chance to acclimatise, which can be dangerous.

"It is absolutely vital that while we're out enjoying the sun we remember how it can affect our animals and wildlife.

"Animals need special attention in the summer and by following just a few simple guidelines we can all help prevent unnecessary suffering."

The charity says all animals should have plenty of water and should be kept out of the sun to avoid heatstroke or skin cancers.

Sunscreen should be applied to the white tips of cats' ears and noses and dogs, especially older ones, should be exercised early in the day to avoid over exertion in the heat.

Animals should never be left in parked cars where they can quickly suffer from heat exhaustion and die.

Hutches should be moved out of direct sunlight and ponds sprayed regularly with a hosepipe to top up oxygen levels.