Hot Dogs Are Not Cool In Cars

The evidence of global warming seems to be hotting up, with April 07, being the warmest since records began, and the rest of the summer is set to follow suit with forecasters predicting one of the hottest ever. While some of us humans are happy, how do our dogs feel, wrapped up in their fur coats?
In these warmer months a quick trip to the shop in the car does not mean much to us, but for our dogs it is a different matter. The temperature between inside a car and outside is staggeringly different; cars can become like ovens with temperatures soaring to 120°F/49°C within six to ten minutes. Even with windows open, it can take just 20 minutes for dogs to suffer from heatstroke and die an agonizing death.
Even responsible dog owners can make the mistake of not realising just how lethal travelling in the heat with their dog can be and the Kennel Club has produced a set of guidelines outlining the safe way to travel with your dog in these warmer months.
ALWAYS
• Consider the weather and your journey in advance, especially if you don’t have air conditioning in your car. Think about whether the journey for your dog is absolutely necessary.
• Make sure your dog has plenty of space in the car and isn’t squashed or forced to sit in direct sunlight.
• Always make sure there is shade provided, even in an air conditioned car a dog can become too hot if in full sun.
• Make sure plenty of stops are taken with lots of water available to drink.
• Take cold water in a thermos rather than a plastic bottle so it stays cold rather than being luke-warm. Ice cubes are helpful in a thermos for cooling too.
NEVER
• Leave a dog unattended in a car, even with the window open and water available. Take them out of the car and leave them in a secure, cool place with access to shade and water.
• Let your dog take part in unnecessary exertion, or stand in exposed sunlight for extended lengths of time.
• Pass by a dog if you see one suffering in a car. Whether it be in a supermarket car park or show, make sure you make someone in authority know and if in doubt call the police or the RSPCA on 0870 55 55 999.

Kennel Club information guides on a number of subjects from finding a dog to how to get started in dog training, will shortly be available in a number of veterinary centres across the country. They are also available to download via the Kennel Club website.