Just a few minutes in a parked car can prove fatal to dogs and other pets – even with the windows slightly open or with the car parked in the shade. As temperatures soared past seasonal UK averages recently, and with more hot weather expected in the coming months, Regtransfers offer five warning signs that indicate your pet may be overheating in your car, and some guidance on what you can do to help your pet if they begin to exhibit them.
Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing
Panting is a pet’s natural cooling mechanism, but rapid, shallow, or laboured breathing can be an early sign of heatstroke. If your dog is panting frantically or appears to be gasping, they may be dangerously overheated.
If you suspect your dog is overheating, move them to a shaded or cool area, ideally indoors with air conditioning or a fan. You can also offer small amounts of cool water to let them drink at their own pace, but it’s not advised to add ice. Cool, wet towels can help to lower their body temperature, particularly when placed around the neck, under the armpits, and on the paw pads.
You should avoid the urge to give your pet a cold-water or ice bath, as this can constrict blood vessels and worsen overheating. Above all else, you should call your vet straight away for further guidance, even if your dog begins to improve.
Bright Red or Pale Gums
In the early stages of overheating, gums may turn a bright cherry red; in more severe cases, they may appear pale or bluish – both of which are indicators of circulatory distress.
If the colour of your dog’s gums concerns you, assess their responsiveness by gently calling their name or trying to engage them with a treat or toy (though, as stated below, be careful about feeding them treats).
If the gum colour appears abnormal, it’s a sign that blood flow could be compromised, and that your pet may need urgent care. Carrying out the cooling measures described above will help, but you should make preparations to transport them to an emergency vet. During this time, make note any changes in gum colour or breathing, as these will help your vet assess the severity upon arrival.
Drooling and Vomiting
Thick drool, retching, or vomiting are signs that the animal’s body is failing to regulate its temperature. These symptoms often follow heavy panting and should be treated as a medical emergency.
If your dog starts retching or vomiting, stop any activity immediately and move your dog to a calm, cool space. You might be tempted to offer them some food, but try to resist doing so, as vomiting may worsen if the dog tries to eat. As with the cooling tips above, provide small amounts of water, and keep your dog as cool as possible with wet towels or cool air flow.
Vomiting increases the risk of dehydration and shock, so it’s important to act quickly, call your vet or take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic.
Lethargy, Confusion, or Collapse
If your pet seems disoriented, is unresponsive, or collapses, this indicates their internal temperature may be dangerously high. At this stage, you’ll want to call your vet or an emergency clinic immediately and tell them you’re on the way.
While transporting your dog, keep the car well-ventilated, and continue cooling them with damp towels or fans. Try to keep their head slightly elevated and gently stimulate them with calm talking, but avoid overhandling or causing additional stress.
Seizures or Muscle Tremors
In the final stages of heatstroke, pets may experience tremors, seizures, or fall into a coma. These are life-threatening signs requiring urgent action.
Firstly, you should clear the area of any objects that could harm your pet during a seizure. Don’t try to restrain them, but protect their head and limbs gently if possible. Again, you can cool the environment around them using fans or wet towels, but you should avoid pouring water directly on their face or mouth.
Stay calm, but act quickly to transport them to the nearest emergency vet clinic. Call ahead to ensure staff are prepared on arrival. If you have help, one person should focus on driving while the other monitors your pet’s breathing and movements.
Leaving your dog unattended in a hot car is not explicitly illegal in the UK, but it can lead to animal cruelty charges if a dog suffers harm or death as a result of it. If you see a dog in distress that’s been left in a hot car, you should call 999 immediately, taking note of the car’s registration and location and delivering this information to authorities if and when requested. It’s important that you don’t attempt to break into the car yourself, unless advised by authorities.
