Dealing with Dogs in Hot Cars: Essential Steps to Take

With the recent spell of warm weather showing no signs of ending, it's crucial to remind everyone of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. While sunny days are perfect for outings with your furry friend, never leave your dog in the car under hot conditions, even for a few minutes.

In hot weather, the temperature inside a car can skyrocket quickly. For instance, when the outside temperature is 22 C, the car's interior can reach a scorching 47 C within an hour. Such rapid overheating can be dangerous for dogs, as their internal temperature can become fatal if it exceeds 41 C.

Dogs rely on panting to regulate their body temperature, but in extreme heat, this mechanism isn't sufficient to prevent overheating. The stifling conditions inside a car can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, or even death in serve cases.

Therefore, during hot weather, there is no safe way to leave a dog in the car. This applies even if you park in the shade, use sunshades, or leave water for your dog.

Signs a dog has heatstroke

It is important you are aware of the common signs of heatstroke in dogs so you can take appropriate action. Common symptoms include:

– Heavy panting
– Dribbling
– Drowsiness
– Vomiting/diarrhoea
– Weakness
– Collapse

It’s not just our own dogs we need to look for though, it is important to take action whenever you see a dog in a hot car.

What to Do If You See a Dog Trapped in a Hot Car

If you come across a dog trapped in a hot car, you must take immediate action. Heatstroke can cause dogs to deteriorate rapidly—they might seem fine one moment but quickly show signs of distress. Even if the dog looks comfortable, act promptly since you don’t know how long it has been in the car or how much longer it will be left there.

If the Dog Appears Distressed or Shows Signs of Heatstroke:

Dial 999 and ask for the police. Provide detailed information and follow their instructions.

While many people might think to call the RSPCA helpline first, if the dog is already showing symptoms of heatstroke, the RSPCA might not be able to respond quickly enough or have the authority to act. Calling 999 is the best course of action.

If the Dog Shows No Signs of Distress:

In a Supermarket/Shopping Centre Car Park: Note the car's make, model, color, registration number, and location. Find a staff member and request a tannoy announcement to summon the owner to their vehicle.

In a Small Car Park: Do the same as above but seek out a parking attendant if available. If no attendant is present, ask around to see if anyone knows the owner.

In all situations, if you cannot locate the owner:

Call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line at 0300 123 4999 for advice on what to do next.
If you become increasingly concerned about the dog's condition, or if it worsens, call 999 for immediate help.

Is it against the law to break someone’s window to free a distressed dog?

If the police are unable to attend and the dog is in danger, some people believe that it is acceptable to break the car window.
However, unfortunately, it is not that simple. Even if you are acting in the dogs best interests, smashing a window can be classed as criminal damage and lead to you having to defend your actions in court.

Therefore it is always advisable to call the police to seek advice before taking action. If it is necessary to rescue the dog from the car, you should document your actions in case you need to defend your actions further down the line. If possible:

– Take photos or get video evidence of the dog in the car
– Take down the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses
– Try and get someone to video you breaking into the vehicle and get them to send you the video as evidence
– Stay on the phone to the police so you can give them a running commentary
– Write a report of the event as soon as you can after the event

Is it illegal to leave a dog in a hot car in the UK?

In the UK, it is not explicitly illegal to leave a dog in a car, even in hot weather. However, if a dog falls ill or dies as a result of being left in a vehicle, you could face charges of animal cruelty. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, you could be sentenced to six months in jail and face an unlimited fine.

How to help a dog that has overheated in a car

If you find a dog that has overheated in a car, it's crucial to act quickly to prevent serious health issues. Here’s what you can do:

Get the Dog Out of the Car: Immediately remove the dog from the hot vehicle.
Cool Down your dog Gradually:
Move to a Shaded Area: Find a cool, shaded spot.
Use Cool Water: Wet the dog with cool (not cold) water. You can use a hose, bucket, or pour water over the dog. Avoid ice-cold water as it can cause shock.
Fan the Dog: Use a fan or create airflow to help with cooling.
Offer Fresh Water: Give the dog small amounts of cool, fresh water to drink. Don’t force it to drink, but encourage sips.

Monitor the Dog’s Condition:
Check for Signs of Shock: These include pale gums, rapid breathing, lethargy, or confusion. If the dog shows these signs, it’s important to get veterinary help immediately.
Check for Heatstroke Symptoms: Symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse are red flags.
Seek Veterinary Help: Even if the dog seems to recover, it's wise to have it checked by a vet as heatstroke can have delayed effects and can be very serious.

Taking quick and appropriate action can make a big difference in the outcome for an overheated dog.

If the dog is very distressed or unconscious, it will need to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. When transporting the dog, put the air conditioning on or travel with a window down, so it benefits from the cool breeze.

For more information on how to keep your dog safe in the hot weather consult your vet.