"Would you leave me to die?" GSPCA warns against leaving dogs in cars

Wednesday 02 June 2021

With temperatures increasing, the GSPCA is calling on dog owners not to expose their pets to heatstroke and even death by leaving them stuck in vehicles.

The weather has picked up in the last week, with islanders able to bask in the bank holiday sunshine after one of the longest winters in memory.

The spike in temperatures has prompted the annual appeal from the GSPCA to look after pets in hot weather.

"Every year we highlight how important it is that we don’t take our dogs out in the car when shopping, as those in vehicles are at real risk," said Mr Byrne. 

"It can get unbearably hot in a car on a sunny day, even when it’s not that warm. [For example], when it’s 22°C outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C within 60 minutes."

Pictured: The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will reach 19 degrees celsius today in generally sunny conditions. 

GSPCA Animal Welfare Manager Lorna Chadwick said the message is a simple one - don't leave your dog alone in a car.

"We do not want to see animals lives put in danger due to the hot weather. If anyone is concerned about a dog in a hot car or animal at risk please call us on 01481 257261."

“If anyone has any animal welfare concerns we are here to help 24/7, so if you are worried for an animal's care, please do give us a call or pop into the GSPCA reception.”

Heatstroke - early warning signs for dogs

Some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs with short snouts, fatter or heavily muscled dogs and long-haired breeds, as well as very old or very young dogs. Dogs with certain diseases are more prone to heatstroke, as are dogs on certain medication.

If dogs are unable to reduce their body temperature, they will develop heatstroke. There are some signs to look for:   

• heavy panting 

• profuse salivation  

• a rapid pulse 

• very red gums/tongue  

• lethargy 

• lack of coordination  

• reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing 

• vomiting  

• diarrhoea 

• loss of consciousness in extreme circumstances.

• Heatstroke - first aid

If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move them to a shaded, cool area and ring your vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.

Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered:

• Immediately douse your dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock – you could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, or use a spray filled with cool water and place your dog in the breeze of a fan.  

• Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water.

• Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle – never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.

• Once you have cooled your dog down you should take him/her straight to the veterinary surgery, but call first to find out their current intake procedures and so you can warn them you are on route

Top tips for warm weather

• Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot. 

• Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined! 

• If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.  Please remember that shade cover can move during the day.

• Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent small amounts. 

• Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and make it unbearably hot.

• Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of the summer, and later in the season, if necessary. 

• Dogs need exercise - even when it is hot. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.

• Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreen. 

• Make an ice lolly or ice cream dog treat for your dogs to crunch and chew to cool down.

• Please be mindful of the other pets in your care and where you keep them and ensure they don’t get trapped in places such as greenhouses and conservatories.