One in six owners have risked their dog's life by leaving them in a warm car
One in six dog owners have left their pooch in a car at temperatures that could risk their pet’s life, according to research.
Of the 70 per cent of Brits who do or have owned a dog, 16 per cent have left their four-legged friend in their vehicle from temperatures ranging from 13 to 24 degrees and beyond, for an extended period. The risks of doing so can be fatal, with an outdoor temperature of 21 degrees said to reach 32 inside a car in as little as 10 minutes.
A poll of 2,000 adults also revealed of all respondents, 62 per cent have witnessed a dog inside a vehicle on a warm or hot day. Of those who have seen this happen, 31 per cent have actively sought out the owners and a further 16 per cent have stayed close by until they came back.
The research was commissioned by Confused.com, which has released advice on how to identify heat stroke in a dog and what to do if they’re suffering from it.
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert from the brand, said: “Dogs are a big part of life for many of us, as many become more like family than a pet. So, it’s important to make sure that your dogs are as safe as possible when travelling in the car, especially in warmer weather as we approach summer.
“Keeping your dogs as cool as possible on a hot day is necessary. When driving, keeping the aircon on or a window open will help to cool them down. Yet, dogs should always be suitably restrained to prevent distracting the driver or causing an injury.
“As well as this, you should always make sure your dog is hydrated and comfortable. Leaving your dog alone in the car should be avoided.”
Of everyone polled, 52 per cent believe it should be illegal to leave a pooch in a car on a hot day, while 51 per cent think owners should be fined if they do so. More than four in 10 (44 per cent) are also confused as to why their owners would risk the life of their pet in such temperatures, according to the OnePoll.com data.
It also emerged 35 per cent think the process of helping a dog in a hot car is unclear and 32 per cent are unsure if you should call the police or the RSPCA to report it.
Matt Crole-Rees from Confused.com added: “A concerning number of people have seen dogs left alone in a car on a hot day. Although it’s reassuring that many would take action, the risk should be avoided in the first place.
“If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to help a dog in danger, there are a few steps you should take. Call the police and do not attempt to break into the car as this counts as criminal damage and could worsen the situation for you.”
What to do if you see a dog in danger
Check for a pay and display ticket to work out how long the dog has been in the vehicle.
Take a note of the car’s make and registration, and if you are in a public place, alert nearby shops, cafes or restaurants to make an announcement.
Make sure there is someone with the dog at all times to monitor for any changes.
If the dog shows signs of heatstroke, call 999 straight away - do not attempt to break into the car as this counts as criminal damage and could worsen the situation for you.
Heat inside a car based on the outside temperature
An outside temp of 21 degrees becomes 32 degrees after 10 minutes, 40 degrees after 30 minutes and 45 degrees after an hour.
An outside temp of 24 degrees becomes 34 degrees after 10 minutes, 43 degrees after 30 minutes and 48 degrees after an hour.
An outside temp of 27 degrees becomes 37 degrees after 10 minutes, 46 degrees after 30 minutes and 51 degrees after an hour.
An outside temp of 29 degrees becomes 40 degrees after 10 minutes, 48 degrees after 30 minutes and 53 degrees after an hour.
An outside temp of 32 degrees becomes 43 degrees after 10 minutes, 51 degrees after 30 minutes and 56 degrees after an hour.