Heatwave pet warning as dogs die in cars in just 20 mins and even walks can be fatal – most at risk breeds revealed
DOG deaths in cars could spike as temperatures rise this month, animal experts have warned.
Brits should beware of leaving their beloved pups locked in hot cars – even for as little as 20 minutes.
Pooches can quickly overheat in hot, sometimes fatal, conditions when your car is parked, and the weather is only set to get warmer.
Today is the hottest day of the year so far with highs of 27.5C at Heathrow.
The scorching temperatures make it warmer here today than it is in Santorini or LA.
As we head out of possibly the warmest May on record, drivers need to take particular care of man’s best friend.
Heatstroke or heat exhaustion could kill your pup, who might not necessarily realise they’re overheating.
Even outside the car, humans shouldn’t take their pets on long walks in extreme heat – an even worse danger experts are campaigning agaisnt.
Esme Wheeler, RSPCA dog welfare specialist, said: “The message remains very simple – never leave a dog in a hot car because “not long” is too long, and when it comes to walks, “if in doubt, don’t go out.”
She added: “All breeds of dog are at risk, but if your dog has an underlying health condition, especially one affecting their breathing, then they could overheat more easily, as well as overweight dogs, dogs with double coats, and some large and flat-faced breeds.”
Most read in The Sun
Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, explained how vets see dogs with a range of issues.
He said: “Heat-related illness can lead to organ failure, brain damage and ultimately death.
“It can take weeks for a dog to acclimatise to hot weather, so after a spell of cold weather, periods of hot weather can be particularly dangerous.”
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home echoed Esma and Dr Dan’s advice – the charity advised: “Do not leave your dog alone in the car under any circumstances.
Read More on The Sun
“Leaving them alone in a car when it is warm for even a few minutes can be fatal – even if the car is parked in the shade, or a window has been left open.”
But the sizzling heat poses a threat to drivers as well as their pups.
Motor experts have warned that this sneaky rule could catch you out when driving this summer.
Forgetting your sunglasses could land you in hot water when driving in hot weather – you could be slapped with a £1,000 fine or three points on your licence.
The Highway Code also reminds drivers to stay alert as roads change in hot temperatures and stuffy cars could send you to sleep.
Top tips for keeping dogs safe in the heat
What are the signs of heat-related illness in dogs?
- Excessive panting that doesn’t stop when the dog rests.
- Difficulty breathing, especially if there is unusual noise or any blue/grey tinge to gums or tongue.
- Unusual tiredness – becoming tired sooner than normal.
- Changes in behaviour – lying down more frequently and stumbling.
- Less keen to play.
Keeping dogs comfortable in warm weather
- Never leave your dog in a hot car, ever.
- Never leave your pets in any vehicle or caravan, or in a conservatory or outbuilding.
- Exercise dogs in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
- Avoid over-exercising dogs in warm weather and avoid encouraging them to over-exert themselves when playing.
- If you know your dog has an underlying condition, then take extra care in hot weather or consider skipping walks altogether.
- Provide constant access to fresh, clean water and cool, shady resting spots.
- Avoid taking dogs on long days out in the heat.
- Remember, pavements can get very hot in the warm weather – if you can’t comfortably keep your hand on the ground for five seconds then it’s too hot for your pooch’s paws too!
- If necessary, use a pet-safe sun cream on exposed parts of your pet’s skin
- In an emergency, it is best to 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, we’d need police assistance at such an incident.
- You can call the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 for advice but, if a dog is in danger, dialling 999 should always be the first step.