A HEDGEHOG food brand has urged the public to look out for the spikey natives during this week's heatwave.

Experts at Lancashire-based Spike’s Hedgehog Food urge people to help out hogs who will be at increased risk of dehydration, with some even dying of thirst in the heat.

Lizzie Jennings, wildlife expert at Spike’s, said: “Hedgehogs need our help. It’s our responsibility to make sure that we protect this species from further decline as their habitats are under ever-growing pressure.

“Even just a few small changes can make the world of difference, such as leaving out a shallow bowl of water, with a low rim, that hedgehogs can easily drink from.

“If you want to go one step further, create a small, shallow pond in your garden. Hedgehogs can swim well but can also tire easily so make sure there's an easy exit point from the pond so that they don't get stuck!”