You should never leave a dog or any other pet inside a car during hot weather. In the United Kingdom this is an offence for which you can be prosecuted. Every year though there is always the cry of I thought he/she would be alright I only left him/her for 10 minutes while I went in the shop etc etc.

 Dogs will suffer grave problems if they overheat, when rescued for many it is too late to save them.

Dogs should not be allowed to stay in the sun for too long, there should always be a shady spot for them, and of course a ready supply of clean cool fresh drinking water for them to drink to stop dehydration.

What are the signs of Heatstroke?
The classic signs are panting- frothing at the mouth - collapse.

How do I treat Heatstroke?
Look for the early warning signs and remove the dog from the sun, place the dog into a shady area or put a large umbrella over him/her. Sponge down the whole body with cold water, or soak towels in cold water and place them over the dog change the towels regularly as the heat of the body will warm them quite quickly, if the dog will not drink of his/her own accord, then wipe the mouth area with a clean wet cloth, if you do not have an electric fan improvise one with a towel, or something that will cause a draught around the dog, (do nothing though to panic him/her unnecessarily). If the dog has collapsed continue with the above until professional help arrives and be prepared to carry out the A.B.C procedure (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) should this become necessary.

When travelling with your dog in hot weather, make sure you stop regularly, give your dog plenty of drinks, and keep a good circulation of air around the dogs travelling area, (clip on battery operated fans are ideal for this), and you can also buy special covers that reflect the heat away from the dogs travel box, keeping the interior cool.

The best advice of all though for travelling with your dog/dogs in hot weather is not to unless absolutely necessary.

NEVER throw buckets of water over the dog, or throw him/her into cold water, as these actions will almost certainly put the dog into shock. Making the situation far worse than it already is.

First Aid is not meant to replace veterinary attention.