Protecting Pets on Summer Road Trips: Preventing Tragedy When Dogs Roast in Hot Cars - NEW BOX OFFICE TO DAY

There’s nothing quite like hopping into the car and setting off on an exciting journey with your beloved canine companion for a furry-friend-enhanced driving experience.

Summer is peak road-trip season, yet hotter and sunnier conditions bring increased hazards for pets when they're traveling in cars. Given the current heat wave, this is an opportune moment for motorists to learn about the threats that rising temperatures pose to dogs inside vehicles and other modes of transportation.

"Safety should always be prioritized when we take our pets along for a drive," remarks Rhydian Jones, a car insurance specialist. Confused.com .

When traveling, it's crucial to ensure your pet stays cool. This can be achieved by utilizing air conditioning whenever feasible or by obstructing direct sunlight with a sunshade.

It might also be beneficial to open the window a bit for some airflow. Ensure they are securely fastened and think about utilizing a cooling pad to assist in managing their body heat.

If you're embarking on an extended trip, make sure to allow your pet frequent stops so they can move around, drink water, and relax. Additionally, if circumstances require leaving your animal unattended in the vehicle momentarily—even for as little as a few minutes—it's crucial to understand the risks involved.

Car temperatures can rise rapidly above external levels, posing a significant risk of deadly heatstroke for pets.

It's best to completely refrain from leaving them in the car when the weather is warm.

HAVE DOG, WILL TRAVEL

Below are some actions you can take when driving with pets during hot weather conditions:

• Leave your vehicle's windows partially open to enhance air circulation. However, avoid letting your pet stick their head outside the window — even though it may seem adorable, it poses significant risks: they could get hurt or end up with foreign objects in their eyes.
• Ensure they stay hydrated. Consider purchasing special bowls made for car use to prevent spills.
• Pack all necessary pet items such as a bowl, food, poop bags, and any required medications when traveling with your pet. Should you frequently go on trips together, consider keeping these essentials stored in your vehicle for convenience.
• Make frequent pauses to interrupt the trip. Rest areas frequently offer grassy zones where your pet can exit and relax its muscles.
• Purchase comfy restraint gear. These specialized harnesses and seatbelts are made to enable your dog to have some mobility and remain seated upright.
• Utilize acrateor apetcarrier. Ensure thatthe crategoesisadequately ventilated, fastened tightlytoyourvehicle, andspaciousenoughfor yourpettoturnaroundandstandupinsideit.

Help your pet get accustomed to traveling. Many dogs find riding in cars frightening and distressing. To help acclimate them, take them on brief rides even when long trips aren’t necessary; this will gradually make them feel more comfortable with travel.

Request a passenger to watch over your pet during the drive. If you're traveling solo, ensure you pause frequently to verify their well-being. Should concerns arise, pull into the closest secure spot to confirm everything is alright with them.

BE VIGILANT FOR HEATSTROKE

Below are the indicators of heatstroke to watch for in dogs:

• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting
• Disorientation or stumbling
• Gums that appear reddish or extremely light-colored

Should a dog exhibit any of these symptoms, immediately dial 999.

WHAT ACTION SHOULD YOU TAKE IF YOU FIND A DOG TRAPPED IN A VEHICLE ON A WARM DAY

Despite the fact that the dog may not be exhibiting symptoms of heatstroke, you ought to attempt estimating how long it has been trapped inside the vehicle.

• Look for a pay-and-display ticket on the dashboard/window to assist you in determining how long the dog has been inside the vehicle.
• Jot down the vehicle's manufacturer and license plate number.
• When you're at a location such as a store or an event center, request the personnel to issue an announcement over the public address system.
• Ensure that somebody remains with the dog as you try to find its owner, and instruct them to dial 999 immediately if the pet shows any indications of heatstroke.

"If the dog is severely distressed and assistance has not yet arrived, you might think about smashing the window—but this could be considered criminal damage, so reserve it for when all else fails," warns Jones.

If you're sure that you need to act personally, photograph and video record the dog, then inform the police about your planned actions.

HOW TO SAFELY COOL DOWN A HOT DOG

As soon as the dog exits the vehicle, immediately relocate it to a more temperate zone such as under shade or into an adjacent structure with air-conditioning enabled.

Provide the dog with some drinking water, and apply cool water to their body. It’s crucial not to douse them with ice-cold water since doing so might cause them to go into shock when cooled rapidly. You may also assist by placing a moistened towel on them for brief intervals.

Despite appearing improved, the dog must visit a veterinarian promptly to ensure there’s no hidden damage from potential heatstroke.