AS temperatures rise this summer, locals are being urged to keep their pets safe and cool in the new year.

Cox Street Vets clinic director and veterinarian, Kristabel Lewis said pet owners can take simple measures to prevent their pets suffering from heat stroke, sunburn and burnt foot pads, which are common problems presented to the clinic each summer.

“Make sure pets have shade, fresh water and good airflow,” she said.

“There is not really a certain temperature that is more dangerous for pets.

“Acclimatisation is important - dogs working every day in consistently hot conditions can be ok, but a dog working on a day that is hotter than it is used to can develop heatstroke.”

Ms Lewis also urged pet owners to never leave their animals in the car, even in mild weather.

“Cars heat up quickly - so does any small, enclosed space,” she said.

“Some of the saddest heatstroke cases we see are when dogs are accidentally left in cars.

“Once a pet’s body temperature gets above 42.5 degrees it is usually fatal.”

RSPCA Victoria chief executive, Dr Liz Walker agreed that leaving animals in hot cars, even for a short time, can lead to tragic consequences.

“It only takes six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly and can reach double the outside temperature even on mild days,” she said.

“Tinted windows, parking in the shade or leaving windows down do not reduce the inside temperature significantly.

“None of us want animals to suffer in the heat, so always make plans for your pets to be kept happy and safe, even in milder summer weather.”

Ms Lewis also said it was important for people to realise their pets aren’t that much different to them and can easily suffer from burnt feet and sunburn if not cared for correctly.

“Hot roads and footpaths can burn pet's feet - if you couldn’t walk barefoot on it neither should your dog,” she said.

“Pets can get sunburnt too, some dogs love to lie on their backs and sunbathe but they can get red blistered sunburnt skin just like we can.”

RSPCA Victoria said during summer it is imperative to provide pets with multiple sources of cool, clean water that can’t be tipped over, and to account for how the shade and sun will move throughout the day so pets always have more than one source of shade.