The temperature is set to remain hot around the UK and drivers have been issued a warning if they have a dog.
With over 12 million households now owning a dog, following a huge surge of people getting a new family pet during lockdown, automotive experts at Leasing Options wanted to ensure all drivers are aware of the law on leaving dogs in cars. Every summer, we see multiple cases of dogs left in cars on our news feeds and social media timelines and sadly, if pets get too hot, they can suffer heat stroke and, in the worst-case scenario, die.
Drivers have been warned that they could face an unlimited fine or even jail time over an animal cruelty charge under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 if they leave a dog in the car. It's crucial to put things in place to allow your furry friend to stay cool in the summer months and never leave them in the car.
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As Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Leasing Options explains: “In the UK it's not illegal to leave your pet alone in the car, but if something was to happen as the result of leaving them, you could find yourself faced with an animal cruelty charge, an unlimited fine and potential six-months jail sentence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“You should never leave a pet in a car even with the windows open on a hot day. There is likely little airflow, even in the shade, to provide adequate cooling for your pet. The temperature inside a vehicle can double in less than an hour even with windows open!”
If you spot an animal in the car on a hot day, it is advised that you should inform police of your intentions and take photos or footage of the dog as well as the names and contact details of witnesses. Breaking into the car could be classed as committing criminal damage.
With the UK expecting plenty of heatwaves over the next few weeks, Leasing Options has issued some advice for travelling with your dog in a car and signs to look out for with your beloved pet pooch.
Five tips to keep your dog cool when travelling in a car
1. Travel early or late - Try to plan your trips in the cooler parts/time of the day — early morning or later in the evening when the sun's heat isn’t as intense
2. Cool your car down before your trip - If you do need to travel during the middle of the day, cool the vehicle down before letting your pet inside. You can do this by blasting the AC on max for a good 10-15 mins, chilly for us but perfect for them in summer, and park the car in the shade to stop it warming up.
3. Keep your dog hydrated - Take plenty of water with you and store it under the boot floor or front seats, if possible, away from direct sunlight warming it up.
4. Block out direct sunlight - Install sunshades on the rear and side windows blocking the suns rays.
5. Make regular stops - Plan your trip to include breaks, where your pooch can have a short walk and let the breeze pass over them, helping them to cool down.
Five key signs that your dog is suffering from heatstroke after a car journey
1. Heavy panting – This is the most telling symptom of heat stroke in dogs. Humans sweat to eliminate heat from their bodies, but dogs do this by panting.
2. Excessive drooling – If a dog is overheating, their body will produce more saliva as the body tries to cool itself down more quickly.
3. Lethargy and drowsiness – Being too hot can cause dogs to sleep more than usual and possibly have trouble standing up.
4. Loss of coordination – If dogs are experiencing a lack of oxygen from heat stroke, it can make them lose some of their coordination.
5. Vomiting and collapsing – These are both a sign a dog’s body is becoming irreparably damaged from heat stroke as the nervous system and internal organs become affected.
If you see any of these signs, immediately take your dog for urgent attention to a vet.
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