A popular Pembrokeshire tourist resort has been cited as one of the worst places in Wales for dogs suffering in cars.

The RSPCA in Wales says it has received more calls from concerned members of the public from the seaside town of Tenby than any other place in the country.

Owners must realise that there is no safe way to leave a dog in a car in warm weather

Kate Jones, RSPCA

Both the RSPCA and the local authority have had complaints from people who have seen dogs kept in cars for long periods even though temperatures outside have been soaring.

The animal welfare charity has warned that dogs can die if left in hot cars.

Kate Jones, RSPCA manager for Wales, said: "A dog left in a warm car will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke and can die an agonising death.

"On a warm day the inside of a car can become like an oven and each year a number of dogs are literally cooked to death after being left in vehicles.

"Owners must realise that there is no safe way to leave a dog in a car in warm weather.

"Even when the weather is not particularly hot, dogs can suffer from heatstroke as up to 90% of their body is covered with hair.

Tourists flock to Tenby

"Leaving windows open and a water bowl is simply not enough."

The RSPCA has issued the following advice:

Even if you park your car in the shade, the position of the sun will change.

A little sun can turn a car into an oven with temperatures of over 49C.

Dogs' only sweat glands are on the soles of their feet, and up to 90% of their body is covered with hair.

Panting and salivating causes them to lose massive amounts of fluid and dehydrate quickly.

Very young and old animals are more susceptible to heat.

Leaving windows open or putting a bowl of water in the car does not help.

If a dog becomes overheated, give it an immediate shower of bath in cool water - call the vet as soon as possible, once a dog goes into shock and loses consciousness it may be too late

The RSPCA has warned that anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a dog under the faces being sent to prison for six months and/or a fine up to �5,000.

Owners can also be banned from keeping animals for life.