Dogs are cool please keep them that way, says the RSPCA

We are an equine site but as many of us also have dogs we belive this is an important message. Dogs are cool - please keep them that way, says the RSPCA Don't let your dog overheat - or die - in your car, caravan or conservatory Soaring temperatures this week suggest that summer is on the way - which means dogs could potentially die or suffer from heat stroke if left in their owners' cars, says the RSPCA. Each year the charity receives around 6,000 calls from members of the public concerned about an animal in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event.

But this number is just the tip of the iceberg, the charity believes, which is why it is reminding dog-owners that they could kill their pet if they don't take care in their car.

RSPCA Chief Veterinary Adviser Mark Evans said: "A car left in direct sunlight quickly becomes an oven.  Everyone knows that.  But even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day a car may become unbearably hot and stifling.  Imagine how terrifying it would be if you were locked inside, unable to escape the oppressive heat and humidity.  Don't let your dog be the one to find out the hard way.  It may end up being the last thing he or she ever does."

He added that it's not just cars that are the problem, as caravans and conservatories could also pose a risk. The RSPCA is also talking to event organisers and supermarkets, as these are common venues for incidents of dogs suffering in car parks.

The dangers:

• Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal
• Even when it is just 22C (72F) outside, the temperature in a car can soar to 47C (117F) within 60 minutes
• Open windows or a water bowl make little difference
• Cloud cover can disappear quickly
• All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases
• Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just  five minutes of the air conditioning being turned off

Signs of heat stroke:

The most obvious warning signs of heat stroke are excessive panting and profuse salivation.  Other signs include:

• A rapid pulse
• Overly red or purple gums
• Lack of co-ordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Coma or death in extreme cases

How to treat heat stroke:

• Heat stroke can be fatal, so speed is essential. Move your pet to a cooler spot and ring 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, or 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 veterinary surgery.

Under the Animal Welfare Act, which came into force in April 2007, pet owners have a duty of care to their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 or six months in prison.

>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. Air-conditioning can disguise the danger that a dog will face once the engine is turned off.
> A dog's normal body temperature is around 390C (1020F). Although the upper lethal body temperature of dogs is approximately 420C (1080F), brain damage may develop at body temperatures of 410C (1060F).

The RSPCA's top tips to help keep your dog safe in the sun:

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 insure 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 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 excess 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.

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