DOG-OWNING motorists are being reminded to ensure their pooches are safe and comfortable during hot summer car journeys.
Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist warns that it’s both dangerous and illegal to leave a furry friend in a hot vehicle.
GEM boss Neil Worth said: “If your pet becomes ill or dies, you are likely to face a charge of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This offence can bring a prison sentence of up to six months and/or a fine of up to £20,000.”
Top dog travelling advice includes taking plenty of fresh drinking water and a bowl, and ensuring your dog is able to stay cool on a journey.
Don’t let your dog travel unrestrained – use a proper travel basket or crate to create a safer space, or a travel harness. Make plenty of stops on long journeys to give your dog a good drink of water.
Animals are unable to sweat in the way that humans can. Dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws, so it only takes a few minutes for pooches left in cars on hot days to begin experiencing the distressing symptoms of heatstroke.
If you suspect your dog is developing heatstroke on a journey, stop somewhere safe and find somewhere cool and shady.
However, if signs of heat exhaustion become apparent (for example excessive thirst, heavy panting, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness), you should go straight to a vet.
Other motorists should also take immediate action if they see a pet locked in a vehicle on a hot day.
For example, if you’re in a supermarket, roadside service area or garden centre car park, note the car make, model, colour and registration number, then go inside and ask for an announcement to be made.
If this doesn’t bring the owner out, or you’re in a location where finding the owner is impossible, then dial 999 and ask for the police.
Meanwhile, Select Car Leasing has warned of many other items that can either be damaged or cause damage to your vehicle if they are left in the stifling heat of the cabin.
The automotive outfit pointed out that an outdoors temperature of 22C can cause a car interior to heat up to a sweltering 47C.
And that can cause serious damage to the likes of iPads, mobile phones and other battery-powered devices. The mini circuit boards can flex, batteries warp and screens crack and so become unresponsive.
Fizzy drinks tins and deodorant cans might also burst as a result of the high temperatures, creating a big mess or even giving drivers a big enough shock that they inadvertently crash.
Clear plastic water bottles, meanwhile, pose a fire risk. If the sun’s rays hit them at the right angle, they act as magnifying glasses and can burn car fabrics.
Suncream and medicines also become less effective if left in a hot car, while beauty products will not only melt but turn into a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.
Select Car Leasing boss Graham Conway said: “Parking in the shade will best protect your car and its contents from the summer sun. Store vulnerable items in your glovebox or boot while you are out on a journey so they’re out of direct sunlight.”
