With the country finally enjoying some summer sunshine, Dogs Trust Cumbria has a message for dog owners: no amount of time is safe to leave dogs alone in cars during hot weather.

Even a few minutes could prove fatal, according to the largest dog welfare charity in the UK.

Temperatures inside vehicles can escalate to dangerously high levels within minutes, causing dogs to suffer heatstroke, which in some cases can lead to death.

To combat this worrying issue, Dogs Trust has rolled out its campaign video, Dogs Die in Hot Cars, and advises anyone who spots a distressed dog in a car to call 999.

The charity also urges owners to be cautious about exercising dogs during warm weather, as three quarters of heatstroke cases are triggered by exercise.

It's critical to avoid even short walks during heat as dogs cannot regulate their body temperature like humans and can overheat under any temperature.

When dogs are unable to cool down sufficiently by panting, they may develop heatstroke.

Certain breeds are at higher risk from heatstroke, including flat-faced breeds like English Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs, as well as older, overweight dogs, and those with pre-existing health issues.

Symptoms to look out for include heavy panting, excessive drooling, lethargy, drowsiness or lack of coordination, vomiting or diarrhoea, and collapsing.

Paula Boyden, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, said: "This glorious summer weather is great to see after so many weeks of rain, but while the sunshine might be great for us, hot weather can cause problems for our canine friends.

"Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken, especially when exercising or travelling in the car.

"In this weather, there is no safe amount of time to leave your dog alone in the car, even if you leave the window open.

"The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent our dogs from suffering such as only walking dogs in the coolest parts of the day, reducing their exercise, ensuring dogs have access to somewhere cool and shady to lay down and making sure they always have access to fresh water.

"And of course, never leave your dog alone in a hot car, not even for a short amount of time.

"If you do suspect your dog has heatstroke, start cooling them and call your vet immediately as it is vital they receive the care they need as soon as possible."

Dogs Trust has also put together further advice for owners to keep their dogs safe during the hot weather, such as avoiding activities during the hottest parts of the day, checking the temperature of tarmac before allowing dogs to walk on it, and using pet-safe sun cream to avoid sunburn.

It is also advised to use a cooling mat and offer cold treats from the fridge.

If a dog has collapsed or is struggling to breathe, the nearest vet should be called immediately.

Owners are encouraged to move their pets to shaded and cool areas, offer drinking water, and start cooling their pet by soaking their body with tap water, avoiding the face.

To learn more about keeping dogs safe in the summer, owners can visit www.dogstrust.org.uk