22/06/2023
Some great advice from the RSPCA about heat stoke, a very important topic to be aware of signs of especially with puppies 😊🐾🐾
There is no doubt that we have all been very fortunate enough to have been able to enjoy some really lovely weather over the last few weeks.
Something we have spoken about many times on not just our page but also our sister practice page Arun Veterinary Group is heat stroke and what you should do if you come across a dog left in a car. There is simply no excuse and leaving the window down a crack is not enough when we are experiencing high temperatures.
This is the advice from the RSPCA:
“In an emergency, it is best to dial 999 and report a dog in a hot car to police. We may not be able to attend quickly enough and, with no powers of entry, we’d need police assistance for such an incident.
If the animal is displaying any sign of heatstroke - such as panting heavily, drooling excessively, is lethargic or uncoordinated, or collapsed and vomiting - call 999 immediately.
Many people’s instinct is to break into the car to free the dog. But please be aware that, without proper justification, this could be classed as criminal damage.
Make sure you tell the police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as names and numbers of witnesses. You have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.
Once removed from the car, move the dog to a cool area and gently douse him/her with cool (not ice cold) water. Allow the dog to drink small amounts of cool water.
If the dog isn’t displaying signs of heatstroke, try to establish how long the dog has been in the car and make a note of the registration. Try nearby shops and ask staff to make an announcement of the situation over the tannoy, if possible, making sure to get someone to stay with the dog to monitor its condition."
We hope this information will be helpful, please feel free to SHARE this amongst dog owners and groups but also members of the public who don't own a dog but may wonder what they should do if they spot a dog left in a car.
Please keep your eyes peeled for a further post on heat stroke and what to do if you think your dog has overheated.