How to keep your pets cool in the heatwave in Warrington

You don't need me to try and put it into words for you and the heat is still going to be around for a few days.

However, our pets don't know why it is so hot, all they know is that they need to cool down.

We tasked Guardian readers with showing how they are helping their pets to stay safe in this weather and some of the tips, tricks and pictures were fantastic.

As well as tips such as stroking them wet a wet towel, freezing their favourite foods in ice cubes, not walking them in the heat, giving them cold foods and water fights, readers sent in their ideas in picture form too.

Fans

Two of the dogs sent in that were cooling down with fans

You can't go wrong with a fan - but it seems it is also useful for dogs too!

Clare McKendrick's dog Gus enjoys chilling out by his fan, as does Heidi Dunne's dog who is in the prime spot to soak up all of the air.

Niko the Husky gets up close and personal with his fan

And make that three as Julie Ann Fletcher's 13-year-old Husky called Niko literally never moves from his fan, she says.

Cooling mats

Elmo's cooling mat to keep happy in the shade

What a life for pets when they have their own cooling mats. Debbie Manders' dog called Elmo does exactly that in the shade.

Debbie Manders said that her dog Elmo lies on his cooling mat in the shade.

And fellow dog owner, Lisa Catherall, added: "My boys have a cooling mat each yet only Benji the Collie uses his the most. I also have a huge floor fan that's on all day. I keep the blinds shut and make sure the water bowl is all topped up.

Lisa's dogs enjoying staying inside and cool

"We don't go out from around 9am until at least 8pm then it's a lead walk only. They also have a paddling pool in the garden at their disposal and I have air conditioning in my bedroom so if they get really hot, they can come and keep cool with me."

Get the pool out

Lesley and Michelle's dogs have been enjoying the water

I won't lie - even I am jealous in this weather. Whether it be a pool or a sprinkler, if you can get your hands on one, your dogs will be thankful for it.

Michelle Bouzaglo's dog (left) and Lesley Stockton's furry friends both enjoy spending time cooling down like most of us would love to.

Spencer is always jumping in and out of his pool

And so too has Conor Keating's dog Spencer. The puppy enjoys being sprayed by water and playing in his pool.

In the shade

Jenny and Clare's dogs love relaxing in the shade

Like most of us, these dogs have been chilling out in their own space, enjoying the shade.

Jenny Allcock ensures her dog is safe in the shade with his own umbrella. Clare Gilmore instead enables her dog to observe from the shade of a tent.

Wet towels

Ralph (top) and Teddy enjoy staying cool with their towels

Sharon Weir says that a wet poncho does the trick for her dog, Ralph (top) - and it's clear who he supports.

Teddy has a multitude of options thanks to owner Stephanie Lorraine Lee.

She said: "For our Teddy we have a Swimming poor, cooling mat, fans on in the house all day so he can come into a cool house, we shut the blinds to keep the sun out and my husband makes half filled water bottles and freeze them. 

"He loves spray bottle, he loves wet towel to put on him. And we only walk Teddy at night when the sun's gone in."

Sun cream

Donna Whitehead helps keep her gorgeous horse happy and healthy in the sun

For Donna Whitehead's horse, factor 50 is a staple in the sun.

"I plait his mane to keep it off his neck and he gets lots of sponge baths," she said.

"He has factor 50 sun cream for his nose and spray to keep the flies off while he’s out in the field for a little while."