ALISON LAURIE-CHALMERS: Do not leave dogs in cars
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Every year I put this alert out here, and sadly we still see cases of heat stroke in the summer month in dogs kept in closed vehicles in the heat. Every year dogs die.
As the temperatures increase it is really important to ensure your dog stays cool and healthy.
Even on a mildly warm day dogs can overheat. In a closed vehicle, temperatures can quickly rise to around 50 degrees. Meat can be cooked in ovens a little over this temperature.
Our weather is unpredictable, so even on cloudy days leaving a dog in a car can prove fatal. Never leave a dog unattended, even with the window open and water available.
If you see a dog struggling and overheating in a vehicle let someone in authority know as soon as possible. If in doubt call the police on 999, or the SSPCA helpline on 03000 999 999. It is an animal cruelty offence to have a dog overheated and therefore suffering.
Remember that any enclosed spaces such as caravans, garages, sheds, or conservatories can be similarly dangerous.
For those intending on travelling in vehicles with their dogs here is some advice to consider during the warmer weather.
Consider your journey in advance, especially if you do not have air conditioning, and think about whether the journey is necessary for your dog.
Make sure your dog has plenty of space and is not forced to sit in direct sunlight. Always make sure there is adequate shade – even in an air-conditioned vehicle a dog can become too hot if in full sun.
Ensure plenty of comfort stops with lots of fresh, cool water for drinking. Take plenty of cool water in a large thermos flask rather than a plastic bottle, so it stays cool. Ice cubes are helpful in a thermos for cooling water too. Also cooling treats, for example tasty ice cubes with their own food inside, can be used as a travel snack. You can also use cool pads.
Here is some “at home” advice too.
Never let your dog take part in extended periods of exertive play or exercise in hot weather or stand for periods in direct sunlight.
A loose lightweight cotton cooling vest, soaked in cool water and well wrung out can help keep your pet cool. Also, a shallow dog-proof padding pool in a shady spot can help.
Also check tarmac or sand is not too hot for paws. Test with your hand – if it is too hot for you it is too hot for your dog!
Keep heavily coated dogs well-groomed and clipped and use a pet-friendly sunscreen on any exposed areas such as ear tips and noses.
Also be aware that all short-nosed “brachycephalic” dog breeds, like pugs and bulldogs, become extremely stressed in the heat as they find panting a less effective way to keep cool. Also, young puppies and older dogs find it much harder to regulate their body heat naturally.
Walk your dog at cooler times of the day, make sure they have access to clean water at all times and be aware of the signs of overheating, which include anxiousness and distress, panting excessively, disorientation, excessive thirst, dark red gums, vomiting, diarrhoea and losing consciousness. If you are at all concerned your pet may have heat stroke contact a vet immediately. Heat stroke is an emergency situation.
Alison Laurie-Chalmers is a senior consultant with Crown Vets in Inverness.
