Release date: July 19, 2021
Dogs die in hot cars – if it’s 22 degrees outside it can reach 47 degrees in your vehicle
Since the hot weather is expected to continue this week, it’s important to remember the RSPCA’s warning that dogs die in hot cars and the advice on how to care for your dog in hot conditions.
With an outside temperature of 22 degrees (22 ° C / 72 ° F), the temperature inside the vehicle can rise to 47 ° C (47 ° C) within 60 minutes.
If you are traveling by car, think carefully about what you will do with your dog. You should never leave a dog alone in the car. On a sunny day, the car can get unbearably hot, even if it’s not that warm.
Unlike humans, dogs pant to keep themselves cool. Dogs can’t cool down in a hot, stuffy car – an open window or a sun visor on the windshield won’t keep your car cool enough.
Heat stroke can be fatal. Do whatever you can to prevent this from happening.
Some dogs are more prone to heat stroke. For example, dogs with a short snout, fatter or heavily muscled dogs and long-haired breeds, and very old or very young dogs. Dogs with certain illnesses are more prone to heat stroke, as are dogs taking certain medications.
If dogs are unable to lower their body temperature, they will develop heat stroke. This can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.
Some Signs To Look For When Dogs Are In Cars:
- Heavy wheezing
- Profuse salivation
- A quick pulse
- Very red gums / tongue
- lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Reluctance or inability to get up after the breakdown
- Vomit
- diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness in extreme circumstances
If your dog is showing symptoms of heat stroke, move him to a shaded, cool place and call your veterinarian right away.
Dogs suffering from heat stroke urgently need to gradually lower their body temperature:
- Immediately drain your dog with cold (not cold) water to avoid shock – you could put your dog in a shower and pour cold water over it, or use a spray filled with cold water and put your dog in the breeze of a fan.
- Make your dog drink small amounts of cold water.
- Continue to drain your dog with cold water until his breathing calms down – never cool your dog so much that he begins to shiver.
- After you’ve cooled your dog down, you should take him straight to the vet.
- Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated area when he gets hot.
- Never leave your dog alone in the car. If you want to take your dog on a car ride, make sure your destination is dog friendly – you can’t leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day to be ruined.
- If you need to leave your dog outside, you need to provide a cool, shady spot where he can get away from the sun at any time of the day.
- Make sure your dog always has enough drinking water in a weighted bowl that cannot be knocked over. Take water with you on hot days and give your dog small amounts on a regular basis.
- Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun can come out later in the day and make it unbearably hot.
- Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long haired breeds a haircut early in summer and later in the season if necessary.
- Dogs need exercise – even when it’s hot. Take your dog for a walk early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.
- Dogs can also get sunburn – especially those with light noses or light fur on their ears. Ask your veterinarian for advice on pet-safe sunscreens.
According to the Animal Welfare Act, animal owners have a legal obligation to care for their animals, including avoiding suffering. The penalties are up to £ 20,000 and / or up to six months in prison.
