Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging dog owners to ensure they keep their pets cool on car journeys.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Your dog’s welfare needs to be a priority. So, if you’re planning a day out and the weather is hot, it may well be in the dog’s best interests to be left at home.

“If that’s not possible, then take simple precautions to ensure your dog doesn’t overheat in the car. A bit of planning will ensure a dog comes to no harm in hot weather.”

Keep them cool Dogs can’t cool down as easily as humans, so even if you’re comfortable in the car, your dog could be overheated and dehydrated. So, keep a close eye on your dog during a journey to make sure they’re coping. If possible, use sun blinds and open windows to allow air to circulate in the car.

It doesn’t take long for a dog to become seriously ill if left in a hot car. Even leaving your dog in the car while you pop into a motorway service station for a sandwich and a loo visit can cause danger, as heatstroke symptoms can start after five minutes and prove fatal in as little as 15 minutes.

Top tips for trouble-free journeys: GEM has compiled a short checklist designed to ensure dogs stay safe and comfortable on car journeys:

  • Take lots of water on long journeys, and a supply of your dog’s usual food.
  • Keep an eye on how your dog is coping on a journey. Dogs can’t cool down as easily as humans, so a comfortable temperature for you may still be too hot for your dog.
  • If your dog hates car journeys, get them used to short trips first, then offer a treat or a long walk.
  • Park in the shade but remember that even a short period in a hot car can make your dog seriously ill.
  • Panting excessively, dribbling and being sick are just some symptoms of heatstroke. If you suspect your dog may have overheated, contact a vet immediately. Then lay it somewhere cool, offer small amounts of water and place a cool, wet towel over it. 
  • If you see a dog inside a car and are concerned about their welfare, try to alert the owner. If this is not possible, call 999 and ask for the police, or the RSPCA via their 24-hour helpline (0300 1234 999).