IT IS not just people who need to take care when the temperatures rise - dogs can also suffer in the sun.

As Worcestershire was at one point the hottest place in the UK according to the Met Office, South Worcestershire police were called out four times to dogs trapped in hot cars.

Dogs Trust has supplied the Worcester News with nine handy tips to keep your pets healthy and safe in the sun.

1. Don't excessively walk or over exercise your dog

2. Avoid walking your dog at the hottest times of the day - often morning or later in the evenings can be cooler

3. Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog

4. Make sure the dog has shade to cool off in, either inside or when out

5. Take your dog to the groomers and keep their fur clipped 

6. Dogs can get sun burned, especially white dogs or those with little hair, so try and keep them out of direct sun

7. Think twice about any car trips with your dog - avoid congested roads or busy times of day when they could overheat in the car if you are caught up in traffic

8. If driving with your dog plan your journey considering cooler times of the day and places to take breaks

9. Don't leave your dog in a car - as temperatures rise, dogs overheat quickly and leaving them for as little as 20 minutes could prove fatal