Pet owners warned as temperatures soar (From Times Series)

Pet owners warned by RSPCA as temperatures soar

4:00pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News By Chris Hewett

Soaring temperatures are leaving pets at risk according to the RSPCA which has responded to 195 calls in three days.

Areas of London have hit 27 degrees this week and the animal protection charity is concerned that not enough pet owners are taking its advice.

Since May 21 the charity has received 172 calls relating to dogs being kept in hot places like cars, conservatories or caravans.

In most situations the owners have left their pets while they go out and enjoy the sunshine themselves.

RSPCA East Superintendent Kelly Rivers said: “Most people seem to know the ‘don’t leave dogs in hot cars’ message, but I think they just don’t think anything bad will happen to their pets, particularly if they’re just leaving them for a few minutes. “What people need to realise is that the next animal to die in a hot car, conservatory or outbuilding could be their pet - that’s how serious this is.”

In May last year, the RSPCA received a total of 448 reports of animals in dangerously hot places, and this year almost half that total was reached in just three days.

Temperatures inside a vehicle can soar to 47 degrees within 60 minutes when the outside temperature is just 22 degrees.

Superintendent Rivers added: “All too often, owners make the mistake of thinking that it is sufficient to leave a bowl of water or a window open for their pet but this is not enough to protect your pet from heatstroke, which can have fatal consequences. Even a hot garden without shade can be disastrous for an animal.”

Signs of heat stroke include overly red or purple gums, a rapid pulse, excessive panting and profuse salivation.

Owners worried their dog might be suffering these effects are advised to douse them in cool, but not cold, water.

Let them drink small amounts until their breathing returns to normal before immediately seeking veterinary care.