Overview
- This week hospitals, rescue centres and the RSPCA have stepped up warnings that the current heatwave can turn parked cars and hot outbuildings into life‑threatening spaces for dogs within minutes.
- The RSPCA urges a three-step public response: check the dog, call police on 999 to request officers who can legally force entry, then cool the animal and contact a vet for urgent care.
- Hospitals such as RJAH say they will report incidents to police and the RSPCA and warn owners who leave animals in cars can face prosecution.
- Veterinarians advise moving the dog to shade or air conditioning, offering water, wetting low‑fur areas like belly and paws and avoiding ice water because heatstroke can cause internal organ damage that needs urgent clinical treatment.
- Owners are told to prevent cases by giving constant access to water and shade, walking dogs in the coolest hours and protecting vulnerable animals such as brachycephalic breeds, puppies, older dogs and overweight dogs, while charities report higher summer call volumes and are running awareness and fundraising drives.