POLICE have issued a reminder to dog owners not to leave their dog in a car.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Even with the windows partly wound down your dog can suffer from heatstroke and die.

"Warning signs of heatstroke are: Is the dog panting heavily? Is the dog drooling excessively? Does the dog appear lethargic or drowsy? 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."