Dog owners warned not to leave pets in hot cars as temperatures soar

Animals left in scorching vehicles could be in serious danger

The Met Office has warned that a heatwave is set to sweep over parts of the UK this week, with temperatures expected to soar to as high as 37C in London on Thursday.

With that in mind, a dog welfare charity is warning pet owners not to leave their animals in cars, saying that doing so even just for a few minutes can prove fatal.

According to Dogs Trust, a British animal welfare charity and humane society, on a 22C (71.6F) day, the temperature inside a car could rise by 11C in just 10 minutes and because dogs are unable to cool down the same way as humans, the heat can quickly become dangerous for them.

The charity has also advised owners to avoid walking their dogs at the hottest times of the day and recommended that even early morning or late evening walks are best accompanied with water.

Similarly, Dogs Trust warns that tarmac can get “very hot in the sun” and advises owners “to check it with their hand before letting dogs walk on it so they don't burn their paws”.

Other tips that have been provided by the charity include avoiding long car journeys, using a sun blind for shade, avoiding congested roads as much as possible, taking regular breaks and having plenty of water in the car.

Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director, said: “There are so many things we can do to make sure our dogs stay happy and healthy in hot weather, but it is crucial we keep a close eye on them, even if we are playing indoors.

“If we all do this, then hopefully we and our dogs will be able to enjoy a long hot summer.”

The warning comes after the RSPCA received 166 emergency calls regarding animals that had been left suffering in the heat during the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The majority of these calls concerned dogs that had been left in hot, stationary cars.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA explained that despite the charity's annual Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign, which highlights the risk of leaving an animal alone in a vehicle, every year the organisation receives “thousands of calls from concerned members of the public who have seen dogs left in these potentially lethal situations”.

Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, urged members of the public to consider the wellbeing of their pets while enjoying the warmer weather conditions at the time.

“We were all thrilled to see such beautiful weather over the bank holiday weekend but rising temperatures and strong sunshine can make it extremely uncomfortable – and potentially dangerous – for our pets,” Allen said.

The RSPCA spokesperson added that while those who have spotted animals left in hot cars may decide to take action by calling the charity's helpline, contacting the police on 999 would actually be a better course of action.

For more information on what to do if you spot a dog in a hot car, click here.