As lockdown restrictions in Scotland begin to be eased, an animal welfare charity has raised awareness of the danger of leaving dogs in cars on warm days.

Due to lockdown, there have been fewer reported concerns of dogs left in cars so far this year.

However, the Scottish SPCA told owners to leave their dogs at home if there is the possibility they could be left in a car as the inside of a car could reach double the intensity of heat as that which a thermometer would read outside.

Mike Flynn, SSPCA chief superintendent, said: “If you imagine being trapped in an oven with a fur coat, it will give you some sense of how a dog can feel inside a hot car.

“If there is a possibility you might be leaving the dog in the car, even on a warm, cloudy day, just leave your pet at home with plenty of water and adequate ventilation.”