Hot topic for keeping dogs safe
‘NOT long’ is too long
With temperatures rising, we hope you’re all out enjoying the beautiful weather. As the weather warms up please help us spread the message that not long is too long!
Many people still believe that it’s OK to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for the dog. A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm.
A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm. When it’s 22 degrees, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.
What to do if you see a dog in a car on a warm day
In an emergency, we may not be able to attend quickly enough, and with no powers of entry, we would need police assistance at such an incident. Don’t be afraid to dial 999, the police will inform us if animal welfare assistance is required.
Help a dog in a hot car
Establish the animal’s health/condition. If they’re displaying any signs of heatstroke dial 999 immediately.
If the situation becomes critical for the dog and the police are too far away/unable to attend, many people’s instinct will be to break into the car to free the dog. If you decide to do this, please be aware that without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage and, potentially, you may need to defend your actions in court.
Make sure you tell the police what you intend to do, why, and take images/footage of the dog and the names and numbers of witnesses to the incident. The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.
Once removed, if the dog is displaying signs of heatstroke, follow our emergency first aid advice. This could mean the difference between life and death for the dog.
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?
Emergency First Aid for dogs
For the best chance of survival, dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature lowered gradually.
Move him/her to a shaded/cool area.
Immediately douse the dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock. If possible, you can also use wet towels or place him/her in the breeze of a fan.
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.
Once the dog is cool, take him/ her to the nearest vet as a matter of urgency.
Please see www.rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/ health/dogsinhotcars for further advice.