mypetfriends.co.uk

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has launched its annual campaign warning dog owners that their pet could die if left in a hot car.

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It doesn’t have to be a boiling hot day for a dog to suffer in a car, even a warm day could increase the temperature in a car causing distress for a dog and even death.

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Unlike humans who can lose heat by sweating, many owners don’t realize that a dog can’t sweat and only loses heat through its tongue when panting and through the pads of its feet. Its still a widespread belief that leaving car windows open an inch or two is enough to provide adequate ventilation but if the surrounding temperature is too hot a dog can die within a few minutes through over heat. This is not only a problem when an owner leaves the dog in the car, but can also occur during journeys when the dog may be located under direct sunlight which may be magnified by the cars windows.

The SPCA advice to all owners is to check before attending a summer event with your dog that dogs are allowed. They also remind the public that owners who leave their dogs in such conditions are liable to prosecution under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 and could be heavily fined, imprisoned and banned from keeping animals. (the same applies to owners in England and Wales)

Anyone who suspects a dog is in distress in a hot car should contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline: 0870 73 77722

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