People making the ferry crossing to Malta or to Gozo with their cars should try to make the journey in the early morning or late evening if they are travelling with animals, the Gozo SPCA said in a statement.

It said it had been notified of several recent cases of heat stroke among dogs waiting in hot cars for the ferry, both in Malta and Gozo.

While waiting, it said, people travelling with pets should keep side windows open and use screens on the front and rear windows.

Owners should not walk their dogs on tarmac in the heat of the day and should carry a wet towel in a cool bag to wrap around their pet if it became distressed and started panting.

Heatstroke, the Gozo SPCA said, could be a life-threatening condition and should be treated seriously.

If a dog or cat showed signs of heat stroke (excessive panting or breathing difficulties) the owner should seek immediate veterinary advice.

Dogs should not be left in the ferry garage during the crossing and should never be left unattended in a car at any time, but especially during summer, it said.