Dog owners are being urged by the RSCPA to leave their pets at home while attending the Royal Welsh Show next week.

Visitors are not permitted to bring their dogs to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show which is being held next Monday to Thursday.

Only assistance dogs and dogs competing are allowed.

RSPCA Cymru have said that in previous years at the Royal Welsh Show, dogs have been left inside vehicles in the car parks which they have warned can be “dangerous” and potentially “fatal” for a dog.

RSPCA inspector Phil Lewis, who will be one of the charity’s officers on site for the week, said: “We want to issue a strong reminder to people not to bring their dogs to the show and leave them in their cars.

“It’s so dangerous to leave your pet inside any hot environment whether it be a car, a conservatory or even a caravan. The temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within minutes, even when the outside temperature is just 22°C (72°F) and this can be fatal for a dog.

“Opening a window, parking in the shade or leaving a bowl of water for your dog isn’t enough and still leaves dogs in serious danger of suffering from heatstroke.

“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.

“We would simply ask dog owners never to leave their pet unattended in a parked or stationary vehicle and, if the weather is warm, to leave them at home where they can access cool, shady parts of the house and lots of water.”

Along with members of the inspectorate - who will be monitoring the car parks and being on hand to provide welfare advice - RSPCA Cymru staff will be pitching up a stand at the show on avenue C.

This year they will be handing out signs for landowners to display on their land to help encourage pet owners to enjoy the countryside responsibly.

The bright yellow gatepost signs - created in partnership by Animal Welfare Network Wales (AWNW) - aim to encourage dog owners to be mindful of other animals whilst enjoying the countryside, ensuring dogs are kept on leads and dog waste is taken home.

Claire Lawson, RSPCA assistant director of external relations in Wales, said: “Each year we thoroughly enjoy meeting Royal Welsh Agricultural Show visitors and we welcome anyone to pop along to our tent on avenue C.

“As well as finding out more about our work, such as some of the rescue animals up for rehoming, we have some important messages to share such as ‘dogs die in hot cars’ and responsible pet ownership.

“Livestock worrying is a serious animal welfare problem which not only puts farm animals at risk but dogs too, which can be trampled by cattle and horses. We hope the free gatepost signs that we will give away at the event, will prompt dog owners to be responsible when walking near livestock or in fields where they suspect farm animals could be grazing.”