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When three separate fatalities because of heat stroke are presented to vets in one afternoon it is clear the message needs repeating.

Introduction

Given the amount of publicity given to the fact that dogs die in hot cars it is truly amazing that anyone could possibly be unaware of the consequences. Never the less we had to deal with not one but three separate fatalities resulting from heat stress over one hot June afternoon recently.

This article is all about education. No dog should ever die in a hot car. As tragic as the outcome is it is hard to feel sympathy for such a gross act of stupidity (not to mention cruelty) as leaving a dog in a hot car or conservatory in summertime. You wouldn't (we hope) do it with a child so for goodness sake don't do it with your dogs.

It's hard to believe that a dog left unattended in a car on a hot day can suffer heat stress and ultimately a fatal heat stoke. But on a sunny day this can occur in less than ten minutes. You have been warned.

Why it Happens

On a hot day the temperature inside a stationary car can rapidly increase to double that on the outside, this can happen within six to ten minutes depending on the weather conditions. [Try it out on yourself sometime when its hot. With the windows closed, hot sunshine can make your car take on sauna-like qualities in minutes - time yourself to see how long you can bear it before you have to leave. It's a salutary lesson about this problem.]

To add to their problems remember that most dogs have a thick coat of hair designed to trap heat, plus they can't sweat and can only shed heat by panting. [Repeat the above experiment but this time wear a full length coat, scarf, thick socks and wellies.] You will now begin to realise why they succumb to the effects of heat stroke so quickly.

Leaving windows down or providing bowls of water will not stop heat stroke from happening.

Dogs experiencing heat stroke go through a number of stages:

• Initially they will show increased activity with panting accompanied by barking or whining. The dog will be obviously agitated.
• The panting becomes excessive and and laboured with copious drooling of saliva being seen.
• The next stage is where the dog is obviously struggling to breath, it may appear glassy eyed and have dark red gums.
• Beyond this point the dogs body temperature will have reached the point of where cell death in the brain results in seizures, coma and ultimately death.

If heat stroke is identifed early it can be quickly reversed by cooling the dog down, but once the critical temperature is reached the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms fail and the consequent circulatory collapse and organ damage will often mean that even with intensive veterinary care your pet will ultimately die.

Prevention is better than cure.

Summary

Never leave your dog unattended in a car, even for a short while when it's warm or hot outside.

If you do see a dog left in a car on a warm day and it appears to be distressed, call the RSPCA or the Police. They will take the appropriate action, if necessary breaking into the car to release the dog.

If you should have to leave a dog in a car for a short time, leave a note stating your time of return and stick to it. Otherwise an embarrassing rescue operation may be launched by a concerned passerby.

RSPCA Contact Number

If you need to report a dog left unattended and apparently distressed in a car during hot weather - ring 08705 555 999.