Although you would think people would know better by now, every year we hear of yet more incidents of dogs dying in hot cars.
There is still a misconception that dogs only die in hot cars if you don't drop the window or leave a bowl of water. Unfortunately, the temperature inside a car on a hot day can rise extremely rapidly. Studies have shown that if the temperature outside is 22 degrees Celsius, within 60 minutes the temperature inside a car can rocket to 46 degrees, and having the windows open a crack hardly slows the rise at all.
The early warning signs of heatstroke are:
- Heavy panting, profuse salivation
- Rapid pulse, very red gums/tongue
- Lethargy, incoordination
- Vomiting, diarrhoea
- Loss of consciousness
Heatstroke first aid:
- Move dog to a shaded/cool area
- Douse with cool water + let the dog drink small amounts
- Find a vet, phone ahead then take the dog there
If you see a dog in a car on a hot day, 'phone 999.
Broad Lane Vets fully support the most recent campaign set up by the Editor of Dogs Today; www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/dontcookyourdog
