With temperatures forecast to be high again today, police are urging dog owners not to leave their pets in a car.

A spokesman for Bridport Police said: "Temperatures in Bridport today are forecast to reach up to 28 degrees. Bridport Neighbourhood Policing Team would like to remind dog owners not to leave their dog in a car. Even with the windows partly wound down your dog can suffer from heatstroke and die."

Officers have shared a list of warning signs and how to help dogs suffering from heatstroke.

Warning signs of heatstroke are:

• Is the dog panting heavily?

• Is the dog drooling excessively?

• Does the dog appear lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated?

• Is the dog collapsed or vomiting?

Emergency First Aid for dogs:

  • For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually.

• Move him/her to a shaded/cool area.

• Immediately douse the dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock. If possible, you can also use wet towels or place him/her in the breeze of a fan.

• Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water. • Continue to douse the dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle but never so much that he/she begins to shiver.

• Once the dog is cool, take him/her to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.