Life

Warnings for dog owners as temperatures continue to rise

Dog owners have been warned never to leave their animal alone in a hot car 
Dog owners have been warned never to leave their animal alone in a hot car  Dog owners have been warned never to leave their animal alone in a hot car 

DOG owners have been warned to take extra special care of their pets as temperatures continue to soar.

The RSPCA has said that dogs cannot be left alone in a car on a hot day, even if the car is parked in the shade or the windows are open.

The charity warned that in 22C heat, a car can reach an unbearable 47C within the hour.

If a dog cannot reduce their body temperature by panting they will develop heatstroke, which can kill.

Very old or young dogs, those with thick, heavy coats or dogs with very short flat faces, including pugs and bulldog types, are more at risk of heatstroke.

What to do if you see a dog in a car on a warm day

  • Dial 999 or contact the animal welfare officer in your local council
  • If you break into the car to free a dog, be aware your actions could be criminal damage
  • If you do decide to break in tell the police what you intend to do and why. Take pictures or videos of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses

Warning signs of heatstroke

  • Is the dog panting heavily?  
  • Is the dog drooling excessively?  
  • Does the dog appear lethargic, drowsy or uncoordinated?  
  • Is the dog collapsed or vomiting?

What to do if you fear a dog has heatstroke

  • Move them to a cool, shaded area and call a vet immediately
  • Douse the dog with cool (not cold) water
  • Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water
  • Continue to douse the dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle but never so much that he/she begins to shiver