UK Weather – Dogs die in hot cars
Four dogs rescued after Police smash car window
The UK weather has certainly been nice to us this week.
With today pipped to be the hottest day of the year, one Police force called for dog owners to be responsible and not leave their dogs in cars.
Yesterday Gwent Police were called to a car park on a country lane in Abergaven.
The midday sun was beaming down on the vehicle with its four occupants.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
- heavy panting
- profuse salivation
- rapid pulse
- very red gums/tongue
- lethargy
- lack of coordination
- reluctance/inability to rise after collapsing
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of consciousness.
The vehicles window was smashed and the animals rescued, later they were returned to their owner. The RSPCA was informed and has stated it will now follow up on a prosecution.
With abundance of doggie shows, country fairs & holidays on our planners. Families are opting to take their loyal companions with them.
When making a planned journey this can be an enjoyable experience. Unless you left the contents of your picnic in tempting reach of your tail wagging friend.
Our dogs regulate their temperature by panting, if the air is not cool. And they cannot reach a supply of water, they will start to suffer from Heatstroke.
Temperature inside a car can reach 47°C/117°F within 60 minutes.
Simply leaving a window ajar, or flimsy window shade will do nothing to cool the air your dogs are struggling to cool down in.
Would you be able to sit comfortable in all your trendy winter coat, hat & scarf?
Four dogs rescued after Police smash car window
The UK weather has certainly been nice to us this week.
With today pipped to be the hottest day of the year, one Police force called for dog owners to be responsible and not leave their dogs in cars.
Yesterday Gwent Police were called to a car park on a country lane in Abergaven.
The midday sun was beaming down on the vehicle with its four occupants.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
- heavy panting
- profuse salivation
- rapid pulse
- very red gums/tongue
- lethargy
- lack of coordination
- reluctance/inability to rise after collapsing
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of consciousness.
The vehicles window was smashed and the animals rescued, later they were returned to their owner. The RSPCA was informed and has stated it will now follow up on a prosecution.
With abundance of doggie shows, country fairs & holidays on our planners. Families are opting to take their loyal companions with them.
When making a planned journey this can be an enjoyable experience. Unless you left the contents of your picnic in tempting reach of your tail wagging friend.
Our dogs regulate their temperature by panting, if the air is not cool. And they cannot reach a supply of water, they will start to suffer from Heatstroke.
Temperature inside a car can reach 47°C/117°F within 60 minutes.
Simply leaving a window ajar, or flimsy window shade will do nothing to cool the air your dogs are struggling to cool down in.
Would you be able to sit comfortable in all your trendy winter coat, hat & scarf?
Act quickly, heatstroke can be fatal!
If dogs show any signs of heatstroke, move them to a shaded, cool area.
Ring your vet immediately.
Heatstroke – first aid
Urgently, gradually lower their body temperature:
- Immediately douse them with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock – you could use a shower, or spray and place them in the breeze of a fan.
- Let them drink small amounts of cool water.
- Continue dousing until their breathing settles – never cool dogs so much that they begin shivering.
- Once your dog is cool, immediately go to the vet
Any trip you make with your dog has to be planned. Road works could delay you making a simple trip to the vets trip.
If you are going on a car journey make sure you plan ahead, water, bowels, poo bags & any medication your dog requires should be with you at all time
Warm weather tips
- Your dog must always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment.
- Never leave dogs alone in cars, glass conservatories or caravans even if it’s cloudy.
- If you do leave dogs outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where they can escape from the sun.
- Always provide good supplies of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days.
- Groom dogs regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of summer.
- Never allow dogs to exercise excessively in hot weather.
- Dogs can get sunburned – particularly those with light-coloured noses/fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreen.
Useful Web Links
- Defra Guide to Protecting the welfare of pet dogs and cats during journeys
- Rspca
- Vet Help Direct is an online guide to help you to decide how quickly you should contact your vet.
Images sourced from: Pixabay