Keep your dogs cool

11:23am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Dog-owners are warned their pets face dying from sun stroke if they are left in hot cars for even a few minutes.

Thoughtless owners face fines of up to £20,000 or six months in prison if they allow their dogs to suffer in this way, the RSPCA warns.

The charity says pets can quickly overheat - and die - in hot cars, caravans and conservatories.

Each year, the charity receives about 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.

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 it is not just cars that are the problem, as caravans and conservatories could also pose a risk.

The RSPCA is talking to event organisers and supermarkets, as these are common venues for incidents of dogs suffering in car parks.

The charity warns: open windows or a water bowl make little difference; cloud cover can disappear quickly; all dogs will suffer but some 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.

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

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.

Editor's choice