Warm weather warning for Sutherland dogs left in cars
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Warm weather is returning to Sutherland with a "mini heatwave" predicted for today and tomorrow but this can spell danger for dogs left in hot cars.
While many will be happy to see the sun, it can also be a cause of concern for pet owners. In 2019, the British Veterinary Association recorded a three-year high in the number of dogs left in hot cars.
To help avoid a nation of "hot dogs", Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has pulled together advice on how to keep your pets safe and what to do if you find a dog suffering in a hot car.
The heat can be fatal so it’s vital that new and experienced owners alike remember the facts:
- 10 minutes can see a 10°C increase in temperature.
- 20 minutes can see a 16°C increase in temperature.
- 30 minutes can see a 19°C increase in temperature.
- One hour can see a 23°C increase in temperature.
- Over one hour can see a 24 to 29°C increase in temperature.
- Heat exhaustion can occur when the bodies temperature reaches 32°C.
- Heatstroke can occur when the bodies temperature reaches over 40°C.
When faced with the dilemma of leaving your pet alone or unloading the whole car and dragging a canine around while you quickly run an errand – you might be tempted to leave them on their own for a few moments.
However, even if you’ve taken precautions like parking in the shade and cracking a window, it’s not enough. Dogs don’t sweat like humans and can only lose heat through panting. This means they struggle to regulate their temperature if stuck in a hot space and the effects can be deadly.
If you see a dog alone in a car during summer, you should first check to see if the owner is nearby. If you’re near a shop, inform the staff and security, they’ll be able to make a shop-wide announcement to alert the owner.
The local police have the authority to break a car window to rescue an animal in danger but you should not attempt to gain access to the vehicle as you could be fined for criminal damage or injure the animal inside the car.
If there’s no alternative, you should first check the doors to see if the car has been left unlocked. If you do have to break a window to save the animal make sure you call 999 and let the police know what you’re doing and take photos and videos to clearly record the situation. You should also note down the license plate number and any witness details.
