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The RSPCA are called out to 6,000 dogs in distress in hot cars every year (UK).

Source: RSPCA

"Seeing dogs at the surgery with heatstroke is absolutely devastating for any vet. The animals have a look of abject terror in their eyes as they literally gasp for air with all their might.

Even when we can intervene to get their temperature down, sometimes we will be too late to stop the after-effects of blood clotting and organ failure which quickly follow heatstroke. Dying in such a protracted and frightening way is a dreadful fate for any dog and it is totally unacceptable.

EVERY owner must be responsible and accountable and never leave their dog in the car on a warm day. I've also seen a dog succumb while travelling, so remember; the temperature in a sunny car boot might not be the breezy time you're enjoying in the front. Be vigilant and let's stop these completely preventable deaths altogether."

Emma Goodman Milne, Trustee of Tailwaggers Club Trust and Media Vet

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The RSPCA advice is: if you see a dog in a car on a warm day, please call the police on 999.

Under the Animal Welfare Act everyone has a legal duty to care for their animals and if someone puts their animal at risk, they should face prosecution. Obviously they also have to live with the fact that their action resulted in terrible, unimaginable suffering.

If the car is in a supermarket car park or at a public event, ask for a message to be broadcast, asking the owner to return to their car immediately.

If the police are unable to attend, call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or if you are in Scotland: 03000 999 999 for SSPCA
(Please store this number on your mobile phone!)

There has been much debate online as to what to do if no one comes in time and the clock is ticking. Consensus is to try to take photos/video of the scene, using your phone. If you decide things are serious and you need to break in to release the dog try to make sure you record what you are doing and to protect yourself from accusations of criminal damage. Certainly advise the police of your intention to do this, so they are aware.

Tell us more: What was the police response when you called in a dog in distress? We believe there may be regional differences. Please email beverley@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk with your experiences.

Heatstroke early warning signs

• Heavy panting
• Profuse salivation
• A rapid pulse
• Very red gums/tongue
• Lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of consciousness

Heatstroke first aid

If a dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him/her to a shaded, cool area and ring a vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke should always be treated as an emergency.

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered:

• Immediately douse the dog with cool (not cold) water if possible
• Let the dog drink small amounts of cool water.
• Never cool the dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.
• Then go straight to the veterinary surgery.