Top summer safety tips for your dog

Ahead of what looks to be a scorcher this week, Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, is warning the public of the serious dangers of leaving dogs in cars during the summer months.

 

The charity advises that dogs should never be left alone in cars. Even just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal to your dog. On a 22-degree Celsius day, the temperature inside your car could rise by 11 degrees in just 10 minutes. Dogs can’t cool down the same way as humans, so this heat can quickly become dangerous for them. 

 

Dogs Trust has issued the following advice to keep dogs safe and well on hot days:

Speaking about keeping your dog cool this summer, Sarah Lynch, Campaigns Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland said: "Summer is such a wonderful time of the year and there’s nothing better than a lovely sunny day in Ireland, but we need to ensure our furry friends are kept safe and cool!  We would always advise that you should never leave your dog alone in a car. Just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal for a dog. Many dog owners believe it is ok to leave a dog in a car if counter-measures are taken, such as parking under a tree or leaving a window open.  Unfortunately, this is a myth – in reality, partially lowering the window has no significant effect on the temperature inside a parked car. It’s also important to note that dogs can suffer from sunburn just like us so try to avoid your dog getting too much sun exposure. Those facing a higher risk are dogs with white or light-coloured hair, those with short or no hair at all and dogs that have lost hair through allergies or medical treatment. Always seek the advice of a registered veterinary practitioner before using sunscreen on your dog, even if it is labelled as “Pet-Safe or Dog-Friendly.”

 

For more information please visit www.dogstrust.ie/cooltobekind