As the weather turns warmer and people get out and about with their pets people are being asked to spare a thought for their furry friends and not to leave them alone without adequate ventilation.

Every year the charity receives around 6,000 calls from concerned members of the public about an animal in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event.

But the charity believes this number is just the tip of the iceberg which is why it is reminding dog-owners that they could kill their pet if they don’t take care in their car.

Mark Evans, the RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: “A car left in direct sunlight quickly becomes an oven, everyone knows that, but even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day a car may become unbearably hot and stifling.

“Imagine how terrifying it would be if you were locked inside, unable to escape the oppressive heat and humidity. Don’t let your dog be the one to find out the hard way. It may end up being the last thing he or she ever does.”

The dangers:

l Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal

l Even when it is just 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature in a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within an hour

l Open windows or a water bowl make little difference

l Cloud cover can disappear quickly

l All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases

l Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of the air conditioning being turned off.