Dogs Die In Hot Cars
We all love to get outside and enjoy the sunshine when comes out. However, for dog owners it’s very important to remember the hot weather might not be as much fun for our furry friends. Dogs heat up quickly and cool down very differently to humans and heatstroke can result in serious complications for dogs.
Which is why we want to remind owners of the importance of keeping your dog happy and safe in the warm weather.
That means things like:
Never leaving your dogs in a car
Not excessively exercising your dog
Planning walks at cooler time of the day
Always having plenty of water for your dogs
Making sure your dog has shade to cool off in, whether inside or outside
Trying to keep your dog out of the direct sun. Dogs can get sun burned – especially white dogs or those with little hair
Thinking twice about any car trips with your dog and, if essential, planning time for water breaks and trying to avoid congested roads at busier times of the day
Helping a dog that’s been in a hot car
If the dog is very unwell or unconscious it will need to be seen immediately by a vet. It is important that you start to cool the dog while traveling to the vet - this can make a big difference to whether the dog survives.
Dogs suffering from heatstroke should ideally have their temperatures lowered gradually. If a dog is cooled too rapidly they can go into shock. Very cold water should not be used if there are other alternatives available. If there is nothing else to hand, then it is best to use the cold water, but with extra care. Using ice cold water can narrow blood vessels, limiting heat loss, while cooling a dog rapidly till they shiver can generate more heat.
Below are some tips on how to lower a dog’s temperature:
Move the dog out of the heat and into the shadeLay them down on a cool floor
Offer them small amounts of water to drink
Fan them with cool air
Put the dog in an air-conditioned car
Carefully pour water over the dog’s body, or sponge them if water is limited. Particularly focus on their neck, tummy and inner thighs. Ideally continue to do this until their breathing returns to normal
Call a vet for further advice and to get the dog checked over