Excessive thirst, heavy panting, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, and dizziness - these are the signs your dog might have heatstroke.
And you need to be aware of the dangers if you’re travelling with a canine companion over the next few days.
The Met Office has issued an ‘Amber Extreme Heat Warning’ for England and Wales, with temperatures predicted to keep climbing through this week and into the weekend.
By Sunday the mercury could have risen to 35C in the southeast, and it’ll be around 32C on average elsewhere.
Now road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist has warned motorists to take extra of their pooches to ensure the animals don’t overheat during car journeys.
Here’s the key checklist:
Stay indoors - Keep your dog at home on the hottest days.
If you do need to transport your dog, bring plenty of fresh drinking water, and a bowl. Ensure your dog can stay cool on a journey.
Make plenty of stops on long journeys - give your dog a good drink of water.
Animals are unable to sweat in the way that humans can. Dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws, so it only takes a few minutes for dogs left in cars on hot days to begin experiencing the distressing symptoms of heatstroke.
If you suspect your dog is developing heatstroke on a journey, stop somewhere safe and find somewhere cool and shady.
However, if signs of heat exhaustion become apparent (for example excessive thirst, heavy panting, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness), you should go straight to a vet.
Don't let your dog travel unrestrained.
Instead, use a proper travel basket or crate to create a safer space. Dog seatbelts and travel harnesses are also available.
If you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action. For example, if you’re in a supermarket, roadside service area or garden centre car park, note the car make, model, colour and registration number, then go inside and ask for an announcement to be made.
If this doesn’t bring the owner out, or you’re in a location where finding the owner is impossible, then dial 999 and ask for the police.
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