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RSPCA Weather Warning: Dogs Die in Hot Cars

 
 

"Leaving windows open and a bowl of water is not enough"
 

The RSPCA is urging dog owners not to risk their animals being literally cooked alive during the current hot weather.

Every spring and summer RSPCA inspectors are regularly called out to reports of dogs being left in hot cars. Sadly, some of those dogs die because of their thoughtless owners.

The Society has already been alerted to several incidents where dogs have been left in hot cars, including a tragic incident in Doncaster on Saturday (18 June), when a poodle died after being left in a car for an hour and a half.

When the owner of the vehicle could not be found, police officers smashed a car window to rescue the two dogs inside. The poodle, suffering from heat exhaustion, sadly collapsed and never regained consciousness. A second dog, a collie-cross, later recovered from its ordeal. The RSPCA is investigating the incident.

RSPCA inspectors also dealt with more than 40 similar incidents at the Three Counties Agricultural Show in Malvern, Worcester. These included a dog that collapsed in the heat and required emergency treatment.

The RSPCA's chief veterinary adviser Tim Miles said: "A dog left in a warm car, conservatory, greenhouse, caravan or shed will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke and can die an agonising death. On a warm day these places can resemble an oven and each year dogs left alone like this die after literally being cooked alive.

"Owners must realise there is no safe way to leave a dog like this in warm weather. Even when the weather is not particularly hot, dogs can suffer from heatstroke as up to 90 per cent of their body is covered in hair. Leaving windows open and a bowl of water is not enough."

Remember:

*  Even if you park your car in the shade, the position of the sun will   change.
*  Young and elderly animals are more susceptible to heat.
*  Leaving windows open or putting a bowl of water does not help.
*  If a dog becomes overheated, give it a shower immediately or bathe it in cool water. Call a vet as soon as possible, as once the dog goes into shock and loses consciousness it may be too late.

Animals can also suffer from sunburn, particularly white dogs and cats. Owners should cover any white extremities, especially ear tips, with the highest possible factor sun cream at least once a day and before the animal goes outside. more follows* Don't Risk Cooking Your Dog To Death, Warns RSPCA, Continued*

Anyone found guilty of causing suffering to an animal under the 1911 Protection of Animals Act faces up to a £5,000 fine and/or six months in prison. Owners can also be banned from keeping animals, possibly for life.

RSPCA's top 10 tips to help keep your pet safe in the sun:

1. Never leave an animal in a car in warm weather. On warm or sunny days cars heat up quickly and become like ovens. Animals could be literally cooked alive in a matter of minutes. Every summer RSPCA inspectors are regularly called out to reports of dogs being left in hot cars. Sadly, some of those dogs die because of their thoughtless owners. The same applies to conservatories, greenhouses and caravans.

2. Don't let your pet get sunburnt.  Animals can suffer from sunburn too, particularly white cats and dogs. Ear-tip cancer is relatively common in white cats and is very similar to malignant melanoma in humans. Owners should cover any white extremities, especially ear tips, with the highest possible factor sun cream at least once a day before the animal goes outside.

3. Make sure all pets have access to shade and a constant supply of fresh drinking water.  All cages and enclosures should be kept in the shade. Watch out for warning signs of heatstroke. If your dog pants quickly, looks very tired or collapses put it in a cool spot and spray it with water or give it a cool bath immediately. If in doubt contact a vet for advice.

4. Check your pets for fleas, ticks and mites. Heat brings out nasty creepy-crawlies, so check     pets regularly. Excessive scratching and itching are the first signs of infestation. If your pets have fleas you must clean their bedding and vacuum floors, carpets and furniture thoroughly. A household flea spray, available from the vet, can be very effective.

5. Check every day for fly-strike. Flies like to lay their eggs in fur of rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats. If an animal infected with fly-strike is not treated straight away it could die a painful death. Animals should be kept clean and checked every day. Bedding should be changed every week during the summer.

6. Don't exert dogs in the heat. During hot weather walk your dog in the morning when it will not burn its paws on the pavement or be at increased risk of heatstroke.

7. Fish suffer in hot weather too. Keep indoor fish tanks out of direct sunlight, change the water regularly and keep them clear of algae, which spread much faster on sunny days. Outside, spray a hose over ponds to top up water levels and replace lost oxygen.

8. Don't leave pets home alone. It is an offence to abandon an animal in circumstances likely to cause it unnecessary suffering. Make sure pets are left in the care of a responsible person, or better still, take them to a reputable boarding kennel.

9. Be wildlife-friendly in the garden. Take care when using a lawn-mower or strimmer - both can be deadly to slow-moving animals. Hedgehogs in long grass may curl up if they feel threatened and toads tend to squat down rather than run away. Keep pesticides out of reach of animals or switch to non-toxic deterrents.

10. Disturb bonfires before burning garden rubbish. Lizards, grass snakes, hedgehogs and toads often seek sanctuary in heaps of garden refuse.

The supermarket giant Asda, part of the Walmart family, has launched its very own 'pooch patrols' as part of the company's efforts to promote responsible pet ownership.

From June 23, parking attendants will carry out special patrols during daylight hours to make sure dogs are not left to swelter inside hot cars whilst their owners shop in store.

If any pets are spotted in cars by ASDA's Pooch Patrollers, their owners will be called over the tannoy system in store and asked to take their pets to the ASDA Pet Stops (areas to leave dogs tied up outside stores) where plenty of fresh water is available for doggies to drink.

Gev Lynott, director of financial services at ASDA, said: "The current high temperatures we're experiencing are extremely dangerous for pets left in cars, even if the windows or sunroof are left slightly open.

ASDA is urging all pet owners to either leave their pets at home in the shade or if they do bring them shopping, take them to the Pet Stops provided in all ASDA stores where they will be able to remain cool and drink plenty of fresh water."