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As temperatures climb towards 40 degrees, the RSPCA has resolved a debate over whether owners can give their dogs ice cubes during the heatwave. While some owners have been placing ice cubes in their dogs' water bowls, others have voiced concerns about this potentially causing problems with bloat or gastric dilation voluvulus (GDV), a rapidly advancing life-threatening condition in dogs.

However, the RSPCA has confirmed there has been no evidence to indicate dogs will develop GDV from consuming ice cubes in warm weather. A spokeswoman told The Mirror: "There have been some anecdotal reports circulated online that giving dogs ice cubes can cause them to develop bloat, or gastric dilation voluvulus (GDV). However, studies into the risk factors for GDV have not identified ice cubes as a risk factor.

"Our advice is to freeze a dog's water bowl or kong before putting water or treats in, to keep them cool for longer. Putting ice cubes into your dog or cat's water bowl or making some tasty ice cube treats is another good idea. Damp towels for your pet to lie on or an ice pack wrapped in a towel could provide a welcome relief from the heat."

This comes as the RSPCA renews appeals for owners to keep their pets safe during the heatwave after they filmed a pavement reaching 61 degrees - hot enough to burn the paws of dogs and cats. The RSPCA's dog welfare expert, Esme Wheeler, has called on pet owners to take immediate action to safeguard their animals during the fierce heatwave.

Esme said: "This weather is extreme and it's a life or death situation for some people, let alone animals, who rely on us to help them survive the intense temperatures. We all have a duty to take every precaution possible.

"These few days of extreme hot weather need to be taken very seriously, that means staying inside or wherever it is coolest, skipping walking dogs and riding horses, and doing everything we can to provide shade and fresh water for wildlife."

• Provide several water bowls around the home for pets to drink often.
• Place containers of water outside for wild animals.
• Do not take your dog on a car journey unless absolutely necessary.
• Try to keep at least one room in the home as cool as possible by closing curtains or using a fan (kept out of reach) to encourage good airflow.
• Check pets and outdoor animals such as chickens and small furry animals every hour for signs of heatstroke, fly-strike, or sunburn, and keep water topped up.
• Do not take your dog out for a walk or exercise - it may be possible to take them for a gentle walk on the lead when the sun has gone down either early morning or late at night.
• Keep toilet breaks for dogs very brief and try to stick to shaded spots as much as you possibly can.
• If your dog, cat, or small furry animal looks uncomfortable, try wrapping an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel and place it near them to lie next to, or use damp towels for your pet to lie on.
• Dogs die in hot cars. Call 999 in an emergency if you see a dog in a hot car.