With a stunning day again in Guernsey and hot weather the GSPCA has had a number of reports from concerned members of the public that have seen dogs locked in cars during and we want to remind all pet owners of the real dangers to their pets.
The GSPCA team have already been out to a number of vehicles with reports of dogs locked inside with little or no ventilation.
With the warm weather and direct sunlight, dogs in cars are potentially in a situation where you could kill your pet if it is left, regardless of the situation.
The GSPCA would like to remind all dog and indeed all owners with pets that they shouldn't be left in cars and those that have access to conservatories, green houses and other such environments need to be aware of the risks to their animals.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "With the lock down its important that we don’t take our dogs out in the car shopping as those in vehicles are at real risk with the lovely sunny warm weather we are having.”
“We all know going to the shop with the social distancing queueing systems could mean you are some time and if your dog is left in the car, even if parked in the shade as the sun moves could put them at a real risk of heat exhaustion and which can does lead to death.”
“We cannot forget the risks to our pets as the temperatures rise and especially direct sunlight on cars, vans, green houses and conservatories."
"We urge all pet owners to stop and think and ensure that their pet is not put at in a life threatening situation with this lovely sunny warm weather."
"We have had calls this week of vehicles in direct sunlight with dogs in them and we urge all pet owners to think before leaving their pet locked in what could be a potentially dangerous situation.”
Lorna Chadwick Welfare Manager said "At the GSPCA we do not want to see animals lives put in danger due to the hot weather and if anyone is concerned about a dog in a hot car or animal at risk please call us on 01481 257261."
“If anyone has any animal welfare concerns we are here to help 24/7 so if you are worried for an animals care please do give us a call or pop into the GSPCA reception.”
Many of us love to enjoy the sunny warm weather but we are urging pet owners to be mindful of their animals.
Don't leave your dog alone in a car.
If it’s very warm outside and you’re going out in the car, think very carefully about what you are going to do with your dog. You should never leave a dog alone in a car.
Many Islanders will be out enjoying the sunny weather for their 2 hour exercise time or possibly out shopping and caught in the social distancing queues into shops, but please ensure that your dogs aren't left in your car or other pets put at risk.
It can get unbearably hot in a car on a sunny day, even when it’s not that warm. In fact, when it’s 22°C/72°F outside like it will be today, the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C/117°F within 60 minutes.
Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. In a hot stuffy car, dogs can’t cool down – leaving a window open or a sunshield on your windscreen won’t keep your car cool enough. Dogs die in hot cars.
Even with current legislation in Guernsey if it can be proven that your dog is suffering you can face prosecution. You would also have to live with the fact that your thoughtless action resulted in terrible suffering for your pet.
If you see a dog in a car on a warm day please call the GSPCA on 01481 257261.
Heatstroke - early warning signs
Heatstroke can be fatal. Do everything you can to prevent it.
Some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs with short snouts, fatter or heavily muscled dogs and long-haired breeds, as well as very old or very young dogs. Dogs with certain diseases are more prone to heatstroke, as are dogs on certain medication.
If dogs are unable to reduce their body temperature, they will develop heatstroke. There are some signs to look for:
- heavy panting
- profuse salivation
- a rapid pulse
- very red gums/tongue
- lethargy
- lack of coordination
- reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- loss of consciousness in extreme circumstances.
- Heatstroke - first aid
If your dog shows any symptoms of heatstroke, move him/her to a shaded, cool area and ring your vet for advice immediately. Heatstroke can be fatal and should always be treated as an emergency.
Dogs suffering from heatstroke urgently need to have their body temperature gradually lowered:
- Immediately douse your dog with cool (not cold) water, to avoid shock – you could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, or use a spray filled with cool water and place your dog in the breeze of a fan.
- Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water.
- Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle – never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.
- Once you have cooled your dog down you should take him/her straight to the veterinary surgery, but call first to find out their current intake procedures and so you can warn them you are on route
Top tips for warm weather
- Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.
- Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined!
- If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day. Please remember that shade cover can move during the day.
- Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent small amounts.
- Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and make it unbearably hot.
- Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excess hair. Give long-coated breeds a haircut at the start of the summer, and later in the season, if necessary.
- Dogs need exercise - even when it is hot. Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.
- Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreen.
- Make an ice lolly or ice cream dog treat for your dogs to crunch and chew to cool down.
- Please be mindful of the other pets in your care and where you keep them and ensure they don’t get trapped in places such as greenhouses and conservatories.
By following this advice we at the GSPCA hope you and your pets enjoy the sunny weather.
Here is a link to one of many sites where you can find out how to make Doggy Ice Cream but please remember to ensure your dog has an appropriate and balanced diet - please click here for details http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/ice-cream-for-dogs.html .
If you have a light coloured pet then for advice on how to avoid them getting skin cancer please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/pickles-cat-has-cancer-and-needs-your-support .
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if you are over 65, have an underlying health condition or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and only visit us if your visit is essential but before doing so please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to the GSPCA to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GuernseyCoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To see a list of our volunteer induction evenings which we hold each month and for more information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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