With summer fast approaching, Britons are crossing their fingers for sunny skies, soaring temperatures, and days spent in the garden with loved ones and furry friends.

But warmer weather poses a serious risk to pets, prompting Aldi's launch of "pooch playtime essentials".

The supermarket has introduced a new summer pet range, featuring products that help dogs stay cool during hot weather.

The chain's latest Specialbuys collection includes pools, water fountains, and floating toys.

Speaking to fur parents, the supermarket said: "Let pets have fun in the sun with Aldi's new hot weather must-haves."

The launch comes as veterinary experts warn that even warm spring days can pose serious health risks to dogs.

The limited-edition products will be available in stores while stocks last, following the retailer's typical Specialbuys format: "once they're gone, they're gone".

Indeed, Aldi noted that shoppers "looking to get their paws on these pet essentials will need to hurry".

'Let pets have fun in the sun with Aldi's new hot weather must-haves'

The collection features a collapsible Pet Pool priced at £6.99, which can hold up to 20 gallons of water.

It comes in various designs, including a leaf pattern, blue, and orange options, making it portable for trips away.

Dogs can play with Floating Pet Toys (£2.99), available in crab, shark, and cocktail designs.

The range also includes a Pet Water Fountain for £4.99, which connects to garden hoses and provides fresh drinking water on demand through an automatic self-service system.

Pet owners must take extra precautions to protect their pooches

The RSPCA issued guidance for pet owners as summer approaches, emphasising that dogs can only cool themselves through panting and sweating through their paws, making them vulnerable to overheating.

The charity advised providing constant access to shade and fresh water, and timing walks for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

Owners should avoid exercising dogs during hot periods and test pavements with their hand for five seconds; if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot for paws.

Additional cooling methods include adding ice cubes to water bowls, providing damp towels to lie on, and using paddling pools or water sprinklers for dogs that enjoy water.

The RSPCA warned that dogs can die in hot environments and should never be left in vehicles, caravans, conservatories, or outbuildings during warm weather.

When outside temperatures reach 22°C, these spaces can quickly heat up to 47°C, which can be fatal.

Pet owners should recognise heatstroke symptoms, including heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, collapse, and vomiting. Immediate veterinary attention is essential if these signs appear.

Flat-faced breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, shih tzus and boxers face greater health risks in hot weather, being particularly vulnerable to heatstroke.

The RSPCA advised taking extra precautions to keep these brachycephalic dogs cool during the summer months.

Looking for more summer essentials? While Aldi's pet range is perfect for pooches, a sell-out gadget will help humans "beat the heat".