Over the last few years, there has been a big push in spreading awareness about the dangers of leaving dogs and other pets in cars.
While many people might think it's okay to leave their dogs in a car if they have parked in the shade, or the windows are open, this isn't the case.
Your car can become like an oven, even when the weather doesn't feel that warm – and it can cause heatstroke.
Although more are becoming aware of this, a dog training specialist has issued a warning to dog owners because taking your dog for a walk in hot weather is actually even more dangerous.
Wendy Kruger, a dog behaviour and training specialist at Woodgreen Pets Charity, where Channel 4's The Dog House is filmed, wants to make owners aware of the risks of hot weather.
Although Wendy, who has worked at the charity for more than 30 years, works mostly on-site by developing training plans and resolving problems, she also meets with external charities and organisations to highlight important messages.
Wendy explained: "The Dogs Die In Hot Cars group is a joint charity group to raise information and knowledge in society about taking dogs in cars and leaving them in cars, but not only that, the risk of dogs walking on hot days which is becoming more of an issue with climate change.
"That's actually more of an issue than dogs in hot cars, frankly. More dogs die from walking in hot conditions than actually die in hot cars.
"Owners are not aware of the risks, which is why we need to highlight it. People will listen to the dogs in hot car messaging so we've managed to tag on that walking dogs in hot weather is riskier."
According to the RSPCA, heat-related illness after exercise affects 10 times more dogs than those overheating in cars.
On its website, the RSPCA explains: "When dogs get hot, they pant to cool down. They'll also drink more, seek out shade or even jump into water if there's some nearby.
"But if it's too hot these cooling actions don't always work. Or perhaps they just can't escape the heat? Then the dog's body temperature can begin to rise. Above a certain point, they will quickly start to develop heat-related illnesses - which can kill them."
The signs of heatstroke to look out for are:
- Heavy panting and difficulty breathing
- Excessively drooling
- The dog appears lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated
- Collapsed or vomiting
If your dog displays any of these behaviours, you should stop moving and find shade. Immediately pour cool (but not too cold) water over the dog, and allow them to drink small amounts of cool water.
Continue to pour cool water over them until their breathing starts to settle. Once the dog is cool, take them to the nearest vet urgently. You can read more on the RSPCA website.
You can call the RSPCA's 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.
You can also find out more about Woodgreen on the charity's website.
