19/07/2013 Newsround

far too nice to stay indoors, so we've come out here to do a bulletin

all about this amazing weather we are having. It is the longest

heatwave in seven years and they today - and around the country, too.

On the south coast, for example, gritters have been out - they are

usually used to stop roads getting too icy, but today the grit is being

used to stop the roads melting! And as the heatwave continues, it is not

just us humans who have to worry about the heat. Your pets are also

at risk. They can't cool down as easily as us, as Leah has been

finding out. Put on a hat, apply some suncream and grab a drink. Just

a few ways we can keep cool and safe during this glorious weather. But

it's not as easy as that for your pets. According to the RSPCA,

animals are more at risk during exceptionally sunny weather because

they cannot sweat through their skin in the same way as humans. The only

way your pets can cool down is by panting and sweating through their

paws - so if you aren't careful, they can dehydrate, fall ill and

even die. Emma and Monkey the dog know all about the problems pets can

have. How can you tell when they are really hot? If they are a bit more

grumpy than normal, that is one indication. My three top tips would

be, firstly, make sure they have got plenty of water. Secondly, do not

exercise them in the heat of the day. Thirdly, make sure they have

got some shade. The hot weather has already claimed the lives of several

animals this summer after owners didn't realise how dangerous it was

to leave them in cars. Temperatures inside vehicles rise very quickly

and it takes very little time for animals like dogs to die in such

heat, so they should never be left alone. It's not just pet owners who

need to be aware of the heat - zoos across the country have been feeding

animals specially-made ice lollies! With temperatures expected to get

even hotter next week, more of us will be outside enjoying ourselves,

so remember, look after yourself and keep an extra eye on your furry

friends. Loads of people out here enjoying the sunshine today, and

what better way to cool down than a nice refreshing dip? But it can be

dangerous if you are not safe. I'm joined by Gus O'Rourke from Cheshire

Fire and Rescue Service. The problem is, the children do not know what is

below the surface. Also, the temperature of the water can be

incredibly cold. If children want to go swimming, get your old-fashioned

paddling pool out, go to the swimming pool, get your parents to

take you to coastal areas which are supervised, where it will be safe.

If you cannot get to the coast, are their places you can go to swim in

the lake or the river? The best thing you can do is to go where

there is an organised group come or supervised. Look online for some

open air swimming pools, for example. You might be able to find

one of those. And we have also been hearing about grass fires. Yes, we

get very stretched in conditions like this, it is very easy to set

fire to grass. We want you to be careful with any barbecues, any

glass which might magnify the rays of the sun, because grasslands can

set fire very easily. Kids can get burnt as a result of that. We would

ask people to be extra vigilant around grass. Thanks for coming and

talking to us. I hope you are not too busy this weekend. Lots of

lovely hot weather comments coming into the Newsround website today -

thanks so much. Elise in Essex has waiting for a heatwave this long. So

that's it from Newsround on this gorgeous, warm Friday afternoon. Our