Pet owners should be wary when taking dogs on holiday this summer, as those animals left locked up in a caravan could die.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has warned that pet owners should not just be concerned when leaving a dog in car, as caravans and conservatories can pose an equal risk.

Mark Evans, the RSPCA chief veterinary adviser, said: "A car left in direct sunlight quickly becomes an oven, everyone knows that, but even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day a car may become unbearably hot and stifling."

He advised that windows are opened to allow ventilation and that putting a water bowl in the vehicle can help.

Certain dogs which are more prone to suffering when they are kept in a caravan are old, young, short-nosed, long-haired or overweight animals.

Some caravan sites, like Ulwell Cottage Caravan Park, offer specific accommodation for pets.

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