Hot weather warning

Surge in calls to the SPCA

Hamilton’s animal rescue centre is urging the public to ensure their pets stay safe during the warm weather.

The Scottish SPCA has seen an 80 per cent increase in calls to their animal helpline from people concerned about dogs in hot cars.

And the advice is not to leave animals in cars for any period of time.

Scottish SPCA Deputy Superintendent Peter Fleming, of the Bothwell Road centre, said: “In this hot weather, we would advise the public to ensure their pets stay hydrated, cool and a fresh supply of water should always be available.

“Sometimes just keeping a window open at home or putting on a fan to let the air circulate the room will help provide a cool temperature for them.

“Please don’t forget about wild animals too, who will benefit from bowls of water left in the garden.”

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn, added: “We’re very concerned at the number of reports we’re receiving about dogs being left inside cars during the hot weather.

“Owners need to understand that it’s completely unacceptable to leave a dog in a vehicle in these searing temperatures, even for a short period of time with the windows down. In this kind of heat, just don’t risk it.

“Our advice is that owners should leave their dogs at home if they are going to be left in the car for any length of time at all.

“When left at home, owners should ensure their dogs have access to fresh water at all times and that there is adequate ventilation in the room. If dogs are being kept outdoors, they must have an area of shelter where they can escape the heat of the sun.”

The charity has issued the following advice for pet owners:

• Dogs benefit from being walked early morning or in the evening as pavements get very hot which can burn their paws. If it’s too hot for your hand, then it’s too hot for dogs’ paws.

• Cooling bandanas can be soaked in cold water

• Paddling pools aren’t just good for humans, dogs love some supervised time to splash about in them too

• As well as having access to shade, when dogs are outside a great way for them to stay cool is to place a cold, wet blanket for them to lie on.

• Rabbits and other small animals love frozen water bottles or ice packs which they snuggle into to lower their temperature.

• Frozen peas and cold water is great for rats to stay cool.

• Some cats like to play with ice cubes and can drink the cold water as it melts.

• If your pet seems uncomfortable, dipping their feet into water or spraying a mist of water onto their face can help.

Call the SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.

It’s unacceptable to leave a dog in a vehicle