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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd June 2010
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Dogs Die in Hot Cars
The Kennel Club is among one of the many animal welfare charities urging pet owners to never leave a dog in the car alone, especially in this hot weather.

Even on just a warm day, the charity says, leaving the windows open and supplying water can make little difference, as a car can still heat up all too quickly to around 50°C even when there are clouds around.
 
Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club’s Communications Director says: “We all know how hot cars can get during the summer. Whether in the sun or the shade, cars heat up quickly and it can often be unbearable for us before the air-conditioning comes into effect, never mind dogs.
 
“Dogs can only cool down by panting and sweating through their paws, so they will find the heat far worse than humans. Owners are urged not to think that dogs can handle heat like we can and to realise that it is never safe to leave the dog in the car alone, weather the windows are open or not.”
 
The Kennel Club ‘Open for Dogs’ campaign encourages more businesses to accept dogs, avoiding the need to leave them unattended in hot cars. Thousands of dog-friendly attractions are currently listed on the website www.openfordogs.org.uk.

Some top tips for dog owners:
 
ALWAYS
  • Consider the weather and your journey in advance, especially if you don’t have air conditioning in your car. Think about whether the journey is absolutely necessary for your dog.
  • Make sure your dog has plenty of space in the car and isn’t squashed or forced to sit in direct sunlight.
  • Always make sure there is shade provided: even in an air conditioned car a dog can become too hot if in full sun.
  • Make sure plenty of stops are taken with lots of water available to drink.
  • Take cold water in a thermos rather than a plastic bottle so it stays cold rather than being lukewarm. Ice cubes are helpful in a thermos for cooling too.
 
NEVER
  • Leave a dog unattended in a car, even with the window open and water available. Take them out of the car and leave them in a secure, cool place with access to shade and water.
  • Let your dog take part in unnecessary exertion in hot weather, or stand in exposed sunlight for extended lengths of time.
  • Pass by a dog if you see one suffering in a car. Whether it be in a supermarket car park or at a show, make sure you let someone in authority know and if in doubt call the police or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.