Dogs die in hot cars. It’s a warning we all know, and yet one that must be repeated every time the mercury rises.
Warm, sunny weather is welcomed by most of us, but it’s not always good news for pets. heat stress is a serious problem. A 2020 study by researchers at Nottingham Trent University and the Royal Veterinary College found that the main reason for dogs: sunstroke is dogs that exercise too much in the sun.
“It seems people are hearing the message about the dangers of hot vehicles but campaigns to raise public awareness about heat-related illness in dogs should emphasize that dogs don’t just die in hot cars,” said Emily Hall, a researcher and veterinarian at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.
“Walking or running a dog in hot weather can be just as deadly, so consider skipping walks during heat waves or walking dogs early in the morning while it’s still cool.”
Owners should be aware of the signs of a pet’s overheating, as well as how to keep their beloved pets cool — and what to do if they overheat.
So how are we going? keep our animals safe during a heat wave? After all, it’s hard enough to keep ourselves and our kids cool. Katrin Scholz, Pet Nutritionist AniFortehas some suggestions:
How to Keep Pets Safe and Cool During a Heat Wave
1. Keep dogs cool in cars
There are laws that punish those who leave their pets behind in cars on hot daysSometimes the consequences are so serious. Animal rights activists PETA say: “On a 78-degree day, the temperature in a parked car can rise to 100 to 120 degrees in just minutes.” However, cars are not the only hazardous environments to be aware of. Pet owners should also be aware of the dangers of conservatories and greenhouses, Scholz says.