A TV vet has revealed the startling time it takes dogs to die in hot cars, pleading with people not to leave their pets unattended as a heatwave is forecast for the UK.
Every year, there are sadly too many horrifying stories of dogs passing away after being left in boiling vehicles by their owners, while others have a happier ending as concerned passers by step in to free the dogs and save their lives.
Appearing on This Morning this week ahead of the predicted heatwave, Doctor Steve Miller said he couldn't hit home enough to people that dog cannot adjust to heat as well as humans and don't have the same ability to cool themselves down.
And it was then that he revealed to alarmed hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford that it takes as little as 15 minutes for a dog to tie if they are left in a hot car.
He told them: "It all happens so quickly as the dogs become under severe distress from the heat.
"Please do NOT leave them unattended and if you take them on a long car journey, have regular breaks to let them cool down and make sure they have lots of water."
Dr Miller also revealed the warning signs of heat strokes in dogs, revealing they are excessive panting, possible drooling and them staggering and losing co-ordination.
He added that in worse cases, dogs vomit or collapse, saying: "you need to call a vet if you see any warning signs.
"I've treated dogs who have been left for three or four days and ended up with organ failure and anaemia."
