We are still waiting for real summer to begin here in the UK, but even without a heat wave, I was reminded how quickly a car can warm up when I parked on the sunny side of the street for just half an hour and the exterior temperature felt just pleasantly warm.

Each year the RSPCA receives around 6,000 calls, (for the UK alone) from members of the public concerned about an animal in a car, on the street, in a car park or at a public event.

Mark Evans the RSPCA's chief veterinary adviser says " 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.

It's not just cars that can be a risk to pets, caravans and conservatories, or any enclosed space above ground pariculary with glass and no ventilation would of course be a problem.

These are the dangers outlined by the RSPCA:

-- Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal

-- Even when it is just 22` C (72`F) outside the temperature in the car can soar to 47`C (117`F) within 60 minutes.

-- Cloud cover can disappear quickly

-- All dogs will suffer but some dogs are more prone to heatsroke. 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.

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

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE:

The most obvious warning signs of heat stroke are excessive panting and profuse salivation. Other signs inlcude:

-- a rapid pulse

-- overly red purple gums

-- lack of coordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhhoea.

-- coma or death in extreme cases

TREATIING HEAT STROKE:

--heat stroke can be fatal so speed is essential: move your pet to a cooler spot and call your vet for advice immediately

-- douse your dog with cool (NOT cold) water. Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver

-- let your dog drink small avounts of cool water

-- Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his /her breathing starts to settle and then take him/her straight to the vet.