In record heat it is important to keep dogs safe while travelling
Trips in your caravan are always better when you bring along every member of the family, including your dog. And, as the UK’s already broken the July heat record, it is important to remember ways to keep your furry friends safe and refrain from leaving them in a car.
Just 20 minutes in a car unattended can prove to be fatal for dogs. According to research by the Dogs Trust, one in four dog owners admit to leaving their dog in the car unattended. Many dog owners try to take precautions by parking under trees and leaving windows open, but this may have no significant effect on the heat inside the car. In a recent survey by the AA, 21% of dog owners have left their dog in a car for longer than 20 minutes.
Those 20 minutes in the car cause a variety of things to happen to the dog when their body temperature passes 41 degrees. First dogs show signs of distress like panting, whimpering, or barking, this develops into more serious issues including a loss of muscle control, kidney failure, brain damage, and finally the dog’s heart stops.
There are some things that can help keep your dog safe on long caravan journeys. Dog Trust vets advise that keeping your pooch as cool as possible while driving helps. This means caravaners could use sun blinds, allow a cooling breeze into your vehicle. It’s also advisable to avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day.
Dog Trust vets also advise frequent breaks with plenty of drinking water. Dogs are not able to cool down as quickly as humans, which creates a higher threat of heat stroke or dehydration. Caravaners can also cool dogs with wet towels, which are sprayed periodically.
In the last year the AA has attended to 1,000 animals in locked cars. If you see dogs in distress call the police service or RSPCA.
