Council warns not to leave dogs in hot cars
July 3, 2019
If it’s warm outside and you are going out in the car, think carefully about what you are going to do with your dog.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is urging dog owners not to leave their dogs in the car, even for a short time, this summer. As Alderman James Baird, Chairman of Environmental Services Committee, explained, the consequences could be catastrophic:
“We are urging dog owners to check their destination is dog friendly, leaving a window open will not keep your car cool enough to leave your dog . A car can become as hot as an oven in a very short space of time, even when it doesn’t feel that warm outside. When it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.
“Many dogs die each year due to being left in hot cars according to the RSPCA. Animals can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Dogs can only cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paw pads so it is difficult for them to control their heat in temperatures that that we humans enjoy.
“Under the Welfare of Animals Act you have a duty of care for your pet and if you put them at risk you could face prosecution by the council. You would also have to live with the fact that your thoughtless action resulted in terrible suffering for your pet.”
The early warning signs of heat stroke in dogs are:
- Heavy panting
- Profuse salivation
- A rapid pulse
- Very red gums / tongue
- Lethargy
- Lack of co-ordination
- Reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
- Vomiting diarrhoea
- Loss of consciousness
Alderman Baird advised: “Should your dog show any of these symptoms, get him or her out of the heat, preferably into a shaded cool area, and then contact your vet for advice immediately.
“Provide water to drink, and if possible spray the dog with a garden hose or immerse him or her in a tub of cool (but not iced) water for up to two minutes in order to lower the body temperature gradually. You can also place the dog in front of an electric fan. Applying cool, wet towels to the groin area, stomach, chest, and paws can also help. Be careful not to use ice or cold water, and don’t overcool your pet dog.”
Dog owners are also urged to consider the temperature outside before walking their pet. During the summer months it can be better to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower. Hot sidewalks, pavement and parking lots can not only burn paws, they also reflect heat onto dogs’ bodies, increasing their risk of deadly heatstroke.
If you notice a dog alone in a hot car and are concerned about its welfare call the council’s Animal Welfare Officer on 028 9244 7861 (9 am – 5pm Monday – Friday) or on 07824 994490 (out of hours and during holiday periods). In the event of an emergency if the dog is in distress call 999.