DOG owners in Cumnock and Doon Valley are being warned about the risk of heat stroke when walking their pets in hot weather.

Some breeds can be at risk from temperatures as low as 16C while overweight dogs and flat-faced breeds are more susceptible.

The advice is to avoid taking dogs for a walk in middle of the day when temperatures are at their peak and to take them earlier in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.

Charity Islay Dog Rescue took to Facebook to help get the message across. They posted: “Richard from Islay Dog Rescue (Ayrshire) has just driven from Tesco in Auchinleck to Cumnock. He passed a man walking two labradors and the poor dogs had their tongues hanging out as far as possible and they were clearly suffering.

“The temperature was 29C. Please take care, you can kill your dog by walking them in this heat. Only walk your dog first thing in the morning or last thing at night. No dog ever died from missing a walk but plenty are dying due to this heat. If you wouldn’t walk wearing a jacket then please don’t take your dog out.”