Drivers in Bucks are risking their dogs' lives by leaving them in hot cars - as an animal charity reveals it was called out ten times in less than two weeks to rescue suffering pets.

As temperatures soar across the country, the RSPCA says it has been "inundated" with calls from concerned passers-by about dogs shut in hot cars.

Between June 11 and 24, when temperatures soared to the high 20s, the charity received 10 worried calls to rescue animals in Bucks. In Berkshire, they received nine calls and in Oxfordshire, they received 13.

The RSPCA is urging drivers not to risk their animals' lives by leaving them in vehicles during the sweltering weather.

Some excuses officers have heard from owners have included "my dog is white, he’ll be fine" and "I'm having an open day to sell my house, the dogs would have been in the way", the welfare charity has revealed.

RSPCA campaign manager, Holly Barber, who runs the Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign, said: “There is absolutely no reason or excuse that warrants risking your pet’s life by leaving them in a car on their own in this heat.

“People don’t believe it will happen to them or they tell themselves they’ll only be a minute, but it simply isn’t good enough.

“We’re pleading with people not to take the risk and to leave their pets at home where they will be safe and happy.”

A dog’s normal body temperature is around 39°C (102°F). Although the upper lethal body temperature of dogs is approximately 42°C (108°F), brain damage may develop at body temperatures of 41°C (106°F).

Dogs are covered in fur and do not sweat in the same way as humans do. Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. The effectiveness of panting is reduced at high temperatures and humidities.

Cars heat up very rapidly in hot – or even warm – weather. Air-conditioning can disguise the danger that a dog will face once the engine is turned off.

In an emergency, dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. The RSPCA may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, they would need police assistance.

If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke - such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting - call 999 immediately.