Never Leave Dogs in Warm or Hot Cars
Even a few minutes is risky, for dogs (or any pets) left inside parked vehicles. Temperatures rise fast (even with the window open) turning cars into ovens, even on mild days or in the shade.
Keep dogs with you when out driving, or leave them at home in warm/hot weather. Councils can help by creating more dog-friendly beaches (to avoid irresponsible guardians leaving them in cars, when they discover beach bans).
If you see a dog in a hot car, smash the window, move the animal to a shady area and apply cool (not cold) water and call the vet, RSPCA and police. Likely dog guardians will feel too guilty to charge you with criminal damage (they will hopefully thank you).
Visit My Dog is Cool to download free posters for your community. Likewise, don’t leave dogs (or other pets) in cold cars either.
You can buy window tinting that reduces UV glare, but this is to make the car less hot and more comfortable, still don’t leave dogs inside cars.
And just as important, don’t leave dogs in cold cars either, as trapped air cause vehicles to act like refrigerators. Follow common sense. Take dogs with you or leave them at home if you can. And if it’s too hot or cold for you, it’s also the same for your dog.
Keeping dogs safe in warm and hot weather
- All dogs (especially large, elderly and flat-faced dogs) can get heatstroke, so only give short walks (early morning or late evening) in warm weather. If the pavement is too hot for your hands, it’s too hot for dog paws.
- Ask vet about pet-safe sunscreens. Never use human sunscreens, and wash off your skin before pets kiss you, due to zinc oxide).
- Keep dogs away from adders. Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking (‘safe hours’ were before 9am and after 7pm). But rising temperatures means times may change. Adder bites need emergency vet care (read how to avoid & treat adder bites).
Heatstroke: If dogs are panting with red gums or vomiting/collapsing, move to a shady area and pour cool (not iced) water over the body (not head) until breathing normally. Give small sips of cool water.
Use a fan (or place ice wrapped in a towel) on the groin and armpits. Don’t place wet towels on the body, this can raise temperature. Turn on air-conditioning in the car, when driving to the vet.
Also don’t let babies overheat in cars
It’s important that babies don’t overheat (remove hats, socks and cardigans in warmer temperatures and don’t let babies sleep in car seats). Aneby has excellent posts on dressing babies in layers and dressing babies for sleep. Also find safe sleeping advice at The Lullaby Trust.
