ASDA pet insurance has launched summer ‘Pooch Patrols’ in all ASDA store car parks.
From today, parking attendants will carry out special patrols during daylight hours to make sure pooches are not left to swelter inside hot cars whilst their owners shop in store.
If any pets are spotted in cars by ASDA’s Pooch Patrollers, their owners will be called over the tannoy system in store and asked to take their pets to the ASDA Pet Stops (areas to leave dogs tied up outside stores) where plenty of fresh water is available for dogs to drink.
The RSPCA's chief veterinary adviser Tim Miles said:
"A dog left in a warm car will quickly begin to suffer from heatstroke and can die an agonising death. On a warm day, these places can resemble an oven.
Each year, dogs left alone like this die after literally being cooked alive. There is no safe way to leave a dog like this in warm weather. Leaving windows open and a bowl of water is not enough.
Even when the weather is not particularly hot, dogs can suffer from heatstroke as up to 90 per cent of their body is covered in hair.”
Gev Lynott, director of financial services at ASDA, said:
“The current high temperatures we’re experiencing are extremely dangerous for pets left in cars, even if the windows or sunroof are left slightly open.
ASDA is urging all pet owners to either leave their pets at home in the shade or if they do bring them shopping, take them to the Pet Stops provided in all ASDA stores where they will be able to remain cool and drink plenty of fresh water.”
Notes for Editors
The RSPCA has the following advice for pet owners in the summer:
Even if you park your car in the shade, the position of the sun will change;
Young and elderly animals are more susceptible to heat;
Leaving windows open or putting a bowl of water is not enough;
If a dog becomes overheated, give it a shower immediately or bathe it in cool water. Call a vet as soon as possible; once the dog goes into shock and loses consciousness, it may be too late.
For information on ASDA pet insurance visit www.asda.com or call 0845 300 5774, 8am to 8pm on Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturday. RSPCA tips for keeping pets safe in the heat:
Never leave an animal in a car in warm weather
On warm or sunny days cars heat up quickly and become like ovens - animals could be literally cooked alive in a matter of minutes. Be aware that conservatories, greenhouses and caravans can also become excessively hot.
Don't let your pet get sunburnt
Animals can suffer from sunburn too! Owners should cover any white extremities, especially ear tips, with the highest possible factor sun cream before the animal goes outside.
Make sure all pets have access to shade and a constant supply of fresh drinking water
All cages and enclosures should be kept in the shade. Watch out for warning signs of heatstroke. If in doubt contact a vet for advice.
Check your pets for fleas, ticks and mites
Heat brings out nasty creepy-crawlies, so check pets regularly.
Check animals every day for fly-strike
Flies like to lay their eggs in the faeces-covered fur of rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs and cats. Animals' backsides and living areas should be kept clean and checked every day, and bedding should be changed every week.
Don't exert dogs in the heat
During hot weather walk your dog in the morning when it will not burn its paws on the pavement or be at increased risk of heatstroke.
Don't leave pets home alone when you go away
Make sure pets are left in the care of a responsible person, or better still, take them to a reputable boarding kennel
