12th May 2008

Keep Dogs Cool

Read more: Health Charity Dogs | Comments (0)

Soaring temperatures this week suggest that summer is on the way - which means dogs could potentially die or suffer from heat stroke if left in their owners' cars, says the RSPCA.

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

But this number is just the tip of the iceberg, the charity believes, which is why it is reminding dog-owners that they could kill their pet if they don't take care in their car.

RSPCA Chief Veterinary Adviser Mark Evans said, "A car left in direct sunlight quickly becomes an oven. Everyone knows that. But even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day a car may become unbearably hot and stifling. Imagine how terrifying it would be if you were locked inside, unable to escape the oppressive heat and humidity. Don't let your dog be the one to find out the hard way. It may end up being the last thing he or she ever does."

He added that it's not just cars that are the problem, as caravans and conservatories could also pose a risk. The RSPCA is also talking to event organisers and supermarkets, as these are common venues for incidents of dogs suffering in car parks.

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 the air conditioning being turned off

Signs of heat stroke:

The most obvious warning signs of heat stroke are excessive panting and profuse salivation. Other signs include:

A rapid pulse

Overly red or purple gums

Lack of co-ordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea

Coma or death in extreme cases

How to treat heat stroke:

Heat stroke can be fatal, so speed is essential. Move your pet to a cooler spot and ring your vet for advice immediately

Douse your dog with cool (not cold) water - you could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, or spray your dog with cool water and place him/her in the breeze of a fan. 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 him/her straight to the veterinary surgery.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, which came into force in April 2007, pet owners have a duty of care to their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.

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