Under 20 minutes in a hot car can prove fatal to a dog. The inside of a car can reach 47°c in just one hour on a 22°c day, while at 26°c outside it can reach 37°c inside a car in the space of just 10 minutes.
Precautions that can be taken to keep dogs safe and well on a hot day:
• Never leave your dog in a car in warm weather, even if it feels cool outside
• Don't excessively walk or over-exercise your dog
• Avoid walking your dog at the hottest time of the day - often morning or later in the evenings can be cooler
• Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog
• Make sure your dog has shade to cool off in, either inside or when out
• Take your dog to the groomers and keep their fur clipped
• Dogs can get sun burned, especially white dogs or those with little hair, so try and keep them out of direct sunlight and apply pet sunscreen when out and about
• Think twice about any car trips with your dog - avoid congested roads or busy times of day when they could overheat in the car if you are caught up in traffic.
• If driving with your dog plan your journey considering cooler times of the day and places to take breaks. Make sure to have plenty of water for your dog.
