Don't let your dog overheat - or die - in your car, caravan or conservatory.
Summer temperatures mean that dogs could potentially die or suffer from heatstroke if left in their owners' cars.
Each year the RSPCA receives around 6,000 calls from members of the public concerned about an animal left in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event.
It's not just cars that are the problem - caravans and conservatories can also pose a risk.
Under the Animal Welfare Act pet owners have a legal duty to care for their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 and/or up to six months in prison.
The dangers: * Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal. * Even when it is just 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature in a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within 60 minutes. * Open windows or a water bowl make little difference. * Cloud cover can disappear quickly. * All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short-nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases. * Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off.
For more advice please see the RSPCA's pet care pages.
|