DOGS HEATSTROKE IN SUMMER

In Spain it happens year after year. Dogs are locked in the car in the summer while the owners just have a quick coffee in the beach cafe. 10 Minutes can be enough to have your dog having a heatstroke in the oven that is your car.

Even with the windows down, you would not imagine how hot it gets in a car that is parked in the sun. Especially in summer, it doesn´t even have to be parked in the sun. When temperatures in summer reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, the reflection of heat from the car park will be enough to heat up the car in minutes.

So Dear Dog owners, if you can not let your dog at home and you have to take them with you, then make sure not to leave them in the car. 

If you see a dog locked in a Car on a warm and sunny day, Call the police on 092, or call the Guardia Civil on 062 and ask for the Seprona department.

If you are afraid about the dogs welfare, and no one will be there on time to open the car, the overwhelming urge will be to break into the car and release the dog. 

You must be warned that there is a risk of being charged with criminal damage. Consensus seems to be, tell the police what you intend to do and take photos or video on your phone to show the distress of the animal. Take phone numbers of other witnesses.

You will be able to tell a Heatstroke by the following symptoms:

• Heavy panting
• Profuse salivation
• A rapid pulse
• Very red gums and/or tongue
• Lethargy
• Lack of coordination
• Reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 

followed by Loss of consciousness, Organ failure, Brain bleeds and Death.

If the dog shows any of the heatstroke symptoms call the nearest Vet.   

For a list of Vets in Javea click here.

 To find the number of the nearest vet in Spain either 

call the police  

or 

search "Veterenarios + the town/city name" on the Paginas Amarillas (yellow pages).

To help while waiting for the vet, you need to lower their body temperature. Although you have to be careful how you do this. You should never pour ice cold water onto the dog. THIS CAN LEAD TO A SHOCK.

Take the following steps:

• Move the dog to a shaded cool area.
• Immediately douse the dog with cool (NOT cold) water if possible.
• Let the dog drink SMALL amounts of cool water.
• Never cool the dog so much that he/she begins to shiver.
• Go straight to the nearest vet surgery.   

When coming to Spain for a Holiday and you are renting a Holiday Villa, make sure that you that you check with your Estate Agent that Dogs are allowed and there is enough space for them to stay. 
For more Information about what the conditions are when Renting a Holiday Villa in Spain click here.