Watch out for your dogs in hot weather

The weather is hotting up so it's important to consider the welfare of our animals in warm weather.   A hot car can quickly become a death trap for dogs - they cannot open the door, or turn a key, or open up a bottle of water to have a refreshing drink to take.

 

There are many people who just don't realise how dangerous it is to leave a dog in a hot car, a conservatory or a caravan. 

 

Temperatures in a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within minutes - even if the temperature outside is just 22°C (72°F).   The RSPCA say that opening a window or leaving a bowl of water makes little difference.  It means dogs could suffer from heatstroke - and that could be fatal.  Even if your car is in a cloudy spot, that cloud can vanish quickly.   And older dogs, young dogs, those with short noses, long hair, dogs who are over weight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as are dogs with certain diseases.  

 

The RSPCA says that signs of heat stroke in dogs include:

• excessive panting
• profuse salivation
• red or purple gums
• a rapid pulse
• lack of co-ordination
• reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
• seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea
• in extreme circumstances coma or death.

If you think your dog is acting from heatstroke, you need to act FAST.   Move your pet to a cooler spot at once, say the RSPCA, and call your vet for advice.

In the UK, under the Animal Welfare Act it is illegal to cause an animal unnecessary suffering.

Dogs are covered in fur and do not sweat in the same way as humans do. Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. The effectiveness of panting is reduced at high temperatures and humidities. Cars heat up very rapidly in hot – or even warm – weather.

So, if you think your dog has heatstroke, the RSPCA says you should:

1. Douse your dog with cool (not cold) water. You could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, 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
2. Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water
3. 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

Keep your dog safe in the sun

The RSPCA has these tips:

1. Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.
2. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog friendly.  If you are leaving your dog at home, make sure his or her needs are met - and don't leave them in a conservatory or caravan.   
3. If you have to leave your dog outside, provide a cool, shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.
4. Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over.  Remember, your dog can't turn on the tap and get a glass of water - he or she is dependent on you.   Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent, small amounts.
5. Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and could become unbearably hot.
6. Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excessive hair. Give long-coated breeds a hair-cut at the start of the summer, and later in the season if necessary.
7. Dogs need exercise, even when it is hot, but walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather 
8. Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light coloured fur on their ears.  Get advice from your vet on pet-safe sunscreens.

 Visit the RSPCA's website for more info