Pet care - Keep dogs cool back to pet care     - Keep dogs cool - Don't let your dog overheat - or die - in your car, caravan or conservatory Warm temperatures in summer mean that dogs could potentially die or suffer from heatstroke if left in their owners' cars. Each year the RSPCA receives around 6,000 calls from members of the public concerned about an animal left in a car on the street, in a supermarket car park or at a public event. It's not just cars that are the problem - caravans and conservatories can also pose a risk. Under the Animal Welfare Act pet owners have a legal duty to care for their animals, which includes preventing suffering. Penalties are a fine of up to £20,000 and/or six months in prison. The dangers Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal. Even when it is just 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature in a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within 60 minutes. Open windows or a water bowl make little difference. Cloud cover can disappear quickly. All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short-nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases. Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of being turned off. Signs of heatstroke The most obvious warning signs of heatstroke are excessive panting and profuse salivation. Other signs include: a rapid pulse overly red or purple gums lack of coordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea coma or death in extreme cases. Treating heatstroke Heatstroke can be fatal, so speed is essential. Move your pet to a cooler spot and call your veterinary surgeon for advice immediately. Douse your dog with cool (not cold) water. Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver. Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water. Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle and then take your dog straight to the vet. Top tips to keep dogs cool Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog-friendly. Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and it could become unbearably hot. Dogs can get sunburned too, particularly those with light-coloured noses or light-coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens. Downloads For more advice and tips, download our Keep dogs cool guide at the bottom of the page. Download further guidance on heatstroke in dogs. Download our Keep dogs cool animated banner as featured above to use on your website. [This link will open the banner in a new window. Right-click on the banner to save it.]   RSPCA Keep dogs cool guide photo © RSPCA Back to top © RSPCA 2008. All rights reserved. Terms of use   Dogs Know what your dog needs. more   Buying a puppy Advice on buying a puppy. more   Sign the Microchipping petition Pupils at Thorpe House School in Norwich, Norfolk, are campaigning for microchipping of dogs to be made law. more   Keep dogs cool Find out about the dangers of letting your dog overheat in summer and ways to keep dogs cool. more   RSPCA pet insurance Pet insurance from the people who really care about pets. more   Protect your pet from firework fear Read our advice on how to help your pet cope with the stress caused by loud fireworks. more   Microchip your dog A microchip is recommended by the RSPCA as an effective way of permanently linking pets to their owners. more   Neutering tips The RSPCA strongly advises neutering at an early age. more   Separation-related anxiety Top tips on how to prevent your dog from becoming distressed and destructive when left alone. more   Get worm wise Save your pet from parasites. more   next