Last year the RSPCA received around 8,000 calls to report dogs being left in hot cars, but owners are still neglecting their pets.

The RSPCA is once again reminding people of the dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car after receiving 200 calls alone on bank holiday Monday.

It is not a myth or rumour that dogs die in hot cars. If you are careless enough to think they will be ok, they won’t - fact.

This week will see temperatures in the high teens so this is the perfect time to stop and think about the life of your pet and how a small mistake could lead to serious consequences.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens said: “We had hoped that the message was finally getting through but, sadly, it seems that this may not be the case.

"The temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within minutes, even when the outside temperature is just 22°C (72°F) and this can be fatal for a dog.

“Opening a window, parking in the shade or leaving a bowl of water for your dog isn’t enough and still leaves dogs in serious danger of suffering from heatstroke.”

A dog is in danger will show signs such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, being lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting.

The RSPCA advise people to call 999, but they also warn that if you smash the glass of a car to get a hot dog out, this could be classed as criminal damage.

But there may be a way around this, make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses.

The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.

Here is what the RSPCA say once you have got the dog out of the car:

If the dog isn't displaying symptoms of heatstroke

Establish how long the dog has been in the car. A ‘pay and display’ ticket could help.

Make a note of the car’s registration. If the owner returns, but you still feel the situation was dangerous for the dog, you may still report the incident to the police.

If you’re at a shop, venue or event ask the staff to make an announcement to alert the owner of the situation.

If possible, get someone to stay with the dog to monitor their condition. If they begin to display signs of distress or heatstroke, be prepared to dial 999.

You can also call our 24-hour cruelty line for advice on 0300 1234 999. However, if the dog's in danger, dialing 999 should always be the first step.

Please look after your pets and put them first if you are going to leave them for a prolonged period of time.

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.