Date Added: 14/07/2009
Posted by:
 ajhearsum
 infogroomers.org.uk
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Author/Source:
 http://www.rspca.org.uk

Viewed: 454 times

 Don't let your dog overheat - or die - in your car, caravan or conservatoryWarm temperatures in summer mean that dogs could potentially die or suffer from heatstroke if left in their owners' cars.

Each year the RSPCA receives around 6,000 calls from members of the public concerned about an animal left in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event.

It's not just cars that are the problem - caravans and conservatories can also pose a risk.

Under the Animal Welfare Act pet owners have a legal duty to care for their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 and/or up to six months in prison.

The dangers

• Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal.
• Even when it is just 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature in a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within 60 minutes.
• Open windows or a water bowl make little difference.
• Cloud cover can disappear quickly.
• All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short-nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases.
• Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off.

• a rapid pulse
• overly red or purple gums
• lack of coordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea
• coma or death in extreme cases.

• Heatstroke can be fatal, so speed is essential. Move your pet to a cooler spot and call your veterinary surgeon for advice immediately.
• Douse your dog with cool (not cold) water. Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.
• Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water.
• Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle and then take your dog straight to the vet.
   

• Your dog should always have access to water and be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.
• Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly.
• Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and it could become unbearably hot.
• Dogs can get sunburned too, particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens.

RSPCA Keep dogs cool guide (PDF 2.68MB)