SSPCA issues dogs in hot cars warning

The SSPCA is urging dog owners not to leave their pets inside cars on hot days.

THE Scottish SPCA is reminding pet owners in Caithness not to leave their dogs in hot cars, warning that doing so could lead to tragedy.

As the temperature is predicted to reach a high of 22C in the county today (Friday), the animal welfare charity is concerned some owners do not understand the risks, even though dogs have died having been left in hot cars.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: "It’s clear there are owners who aren’t getting the message. We aren’t scaremongering. The fact is that dogs have died horrific deaths having been left in hot cars in Scotland.

"Many more will also have been caused a great deal of suffering, which may or may not have been noticed by their owners when they returned to their cars. Too many owners mistakenly believe that winding down a window or leaving a bowl of water is enough.

"Some owners also don’t realise that leaving their dog for a short period of time is risking its life as cars can heat up very quickly. Another common problem is owners not understanding that cars can become far too hot even on warm, cloudy days. Clearly these owners don’t know how a dog’s body works and the suffering they may be inflicting on their pet.

"It is essential to understand that as the heat from the sun is intensified through the glass a dog will pant to try and cool down, which can lead to severe dehydration and hyperventilation.

"Sadly, we have dealt with cases where dogs have died because their body temperatures have increased to the point where they have effectively been boiled alive from the inside. The suffering these poor dogs endured would have been horrendous."

He added: "Our advice is to leave dogs at home and make adequate arrangements for feeding or exercise needs. It is far kinder than subjecting them to a very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situation."