GENERAL INTEREST
Paws for thought to keep dogs cool this summer
• A countless number of dogs die in hot
cars each year with over 7,000 facing
potentially life-threatening conditions.
The June heatwave saw temperatures soar high into the
30s that’s good news for UK holiday-makers but it can
make family dogs feel very hot under the collar.
Great Britain is a dog-loving nation, with over 8.5 million*
pooches kept as pets, but a countless number of dogs
die every year after being left alone in hot cars. To help
raise awareness, ŠKODA has teamed up with the RSPCA
to support the ‘Dogs Die in Hot Cars’ campaign. The
campaign aims to show families they should never leave
a dog alone in a vehicle and always keep windows
open, or use air conditioning while driving to keep
pooches in maximum comfort.
With temperatures recently rising to a sizzling 34 degrees
Celsius in places, and an unbearable 60+ degrees
Celsius inside vehicles, there has been a notable rise in
reports of dogs suffering inside hot cars. On Twitter, the
RSPCA has seen an 800% rise in enquires and a 900%
spike in social media mentions. There has also been a
91-point jump in Google search rankings of the search
term, ‘how can I keep my dog cool in the car?’, showing
that pet owners are desperately seeking guidance on
the topic.
Temperatures in cars can rise very quickly. Even at just 22
degrees Celsius outside, a car can reach an unbearable
47 degrees Celsius within an hour. A dog can die within
minutes in a hot car, even if the owner has ‘just popped
to the shop.’
A ŠKODA spokesperson said, “Any dog dying in a hot
car is unacceptable. We want to promote all elements
of responsible driving and this includes pet welfare. The
message is simple, never leave a dog in a car alone,
particularly during the summer.
“We worked with the RSPCA on the Dogs Die in Hot Cars
campaign to help convey a positive message around
what is a difficult and sometimes harrowing subject cool
dogs are happy dogs. We hope that drivers will benefit
from the RSPCA’s advice and dogs will be safer.”
20
• Heat wave sees 800% rise in online
posts to the RSPCA about dog welfare
There are things that drivers can do this summer to
ensure their pets are safe while travelling, no matter
what the distance:
1. Never leave your dog alone in the vehicle so
they don’t get anxious or overheat.
2. In hot weather, always have the window open
when driving to help keep your dogs cool. Summer
can be a very dangerous time for dogs on their
travels.
3. Always carry water with you to keep your dog
hydrated.
4. Invest in appropriate pet restraints, such as a pet
barrier or seat belt, to ensure your dog remains in
the back of the car throughout your journey.
5. Take regular breaks to provide water for your
dog.
6. Where possible exercise your dog with a short
walk during your breaks.
7. When the vehicle is moving, don’t let a dog
hang its head outside car windows, no matter how
much they enjoy it!
8. Before embarking on a long journey, take your
dog on short journeys to get them used to travelling
in the car.
9. Take your dog for a walk/exercise before
travelling.
10. Make sure there aren’t any loose items that
could harm your dog in the boot or on the back
seat of your car.
11. Bring their favourite blanket or toy to help relax
your dog.