The RSPCA have issued a warning to pet owners after a "fit and healthy" dog collapsed and died after being taken for a walk in the heat.

Over the past five days, Britain has seen highs of 32C in a heatwave that looks set to continue throughout July.

The animal welfare charity has put out a warning about the hot weather and recommended how to keep pets safe after a five-year-old dog died of heatstroke in the north-west England.

The dog’s owner had taken the pet out for a walk at 9am when it was 21C, the RSPCA said.

A spokesman for the charity’s Altrincham Cheshire branch said: “This morning we were informed a local dog died of heat stroke after being taken on a walk at 9am when the temperature was 21 degrees.

"The dog was otherwise fit and healthy.

"Despite lots of warnings about the heat we still see dogs being walked to the shops, on the school run, or as soon as owners get in from work.

“We do understand the crucial nature of walking your dog, however please bear in mind that walking in high temperatures can cause serious and irreversible damage, and in some cases death.

"Yesterday the highest temperature for the day was at 4pm but this is when most of the dogs we spotted were out and about.

"It does not matter if your dog is white, young, not a bull breed or 'used to the heat'. Please be mindful of its needs."

The RSPCA has warned about what signs to look out for.

Signs of heatstroke can include panting excessively, staggering or having seizures.

They might also have a high body temperature, their tongue could be dark or bright red, they could have sticky or dry gums and there could be bloody diarrhoea or vomiting.

To bring a dog's temperature down gradually the charity also advises to douse them in cool, not cold, water.

The charity have also warned about the dangers of leaving a dog in a car on a warm day, adding: "If you see a dog in distress in a hot car dial 999."

In terms of helping a dog, the charity say if the situation becomes critical for the dog, and the police are too far away or unable to attend, many people's first instinct would be to break into a car. The charity have warned that if someone decides to do this, though, they must be aware that without proper justification, this could be seen as criminal damage. The charity have advised that you tell the police what you intend to do and why, take pictures of the dog and names and numbers of witnesses.