With warm weather expected, Dogs Trust is reminding owners never to leave dogs unattended in cars, as even a few minutes could be fatal.
Research indicates that on a 22-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise to 33 degrees in just 10 minutes.
The charity is alerting dog owners to the dangers hot weather poses for their pets, who cannot cool down as easily as humans.
They emphasise that dogs should never be left alone in a car, even if it is parked in the shade or with the windows down.
Dogs are highly susceptible to overheating as they must rely on panting or releasing small amounts of heat through their paw pads. When the air or ground temperature rises, this becomes increasingly difficult for them. If a dog becomes too hot, they will naturally seek out somewhere cooler to lie down, but if they are stuck inside a warm car, they are unable to do this.
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What to do if you see a dog in distress in a hot car
If you see a dog alone in a car, first have a look around for the owner. If you cannot see the owner and you are worried the dog may be suffering from heatstroke, contact the local Garda Station and give them details of the situation.
Stay with the dog until the Gardaí arrive and once the dog has been safely removed from the car, seek veterinary attention immediately.
If the situation becomes critical for the dog and the Gardaí are too far away or unable to attend, many people's instinct will be to break into the car to free the dog.
If you decide to do this, please be aware, that this could be classed as criminal damage and, potentially, you may need to defend your actions in court.
Top tips for keeping your dog safe in hot weather
- Provide shade and water
- Plan your walks
- Know heatstroke signs and first aid
- Check tarmac temperature
- Plan ahead for outings
- Rethink car trips
- Visit the groomer
