What to do if you see dog locked in a hot car - and it could save their life

You should never leave a dog unattended in a car on a warm day, as they can quickly suffer heatstroke and even die.

While this advice is well-known, it doesn't stop many owners from abandoning their pets in hot vehicles to go shopping, visit friends and run errands.

If you spot a distressed dog alone in a car when it's heating up outside, there are ways you can help, reports Hull Live.

The RSPCA has shared guidelines on what you can do in an emergency - including dialling 999 and making a note of the car's registration.

It's important to remember that breaking windows is classed as criminal damage, unless you can prove you have a lawful excuse.

When it's 22°C outside, it can reach 47°C in a car (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.

How to help a dog in a hot car

• Establish the animal's health and condition. If they're displaying any signs of heatstroke dial 999 immediately.
• If the situation becomes critical for the dog and the police are too far away or unable to attend, many people's instinct will be to break into the car to free the dog. If you decide to do this, please be aware that without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage and, potentially, you may need to defend your actions in court.
• Make sure you tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take pictures or videos of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses to the incident. 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 (section 5(2)(a) Criminal Damage Act 1971).

Once removed, if the dog is displaying signs of heatstroke, follow the RSPCA's emergency first aid advice. This could mean the difference between life and death for the dog.

If the dog isn't showing 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.

Do you have a dog story to tell? Contact nia.dalton@reachplc.com.