Sad news again in the press... another 2 dogs have died after being left in a car in the hot weather. The devastating thing is the handler had already lost another dog 7 years ago after leaving him in the car.... makes us angry! Hopefully he will be dealt with accordingly. Dogs dying in hot weather after being trapped in cars is tragic, cruel and unneccesary... *sigh* We posted these tips during the last little heatwave back at Easter and they really are essential.... please pass on to all your friends!
Temperatures in cars can rocket in this kind of weather, up to 47 degrees in just an hour when it is 22 degrees outside! Brain damage in dogs starts at 41 degrees. Also, don't forget that suncream is not just for humans... any delicate areas and 'pink bits' will need an application. Check out these fab top ten tips for keeping your pets safe in the sun from the RSPCA:
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 – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined. If leaving your dog at home is the best option because of the weather,
always ensure that his/her needs are properly catered for.
3. If you have to leave your dog outside, you must 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. 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. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens.
Great tips! Make sure you share them with your friends! Also be aware of the signs of Heatstroke and what to do should you think your pet is suffering from it. The most obvious sign of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting and profuse salivation. Other signs include:
- Overly red or purple gums
- A rapid pulse
- Lack of co-ordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea
You must act fast! It is LETHAL!
According to the RSPCA:
- Pets should be moved to a cooler spot straight away before ringing 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, 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 vets
