A DOG THAT was left in a hot car with windows closed in yesterday’s heat was found to be ‘in distress, uncomfortable and breathing heavily’.

A spokesperson for DSPCA told TheJournal.ie that the small dog was discovered in a car in Dublin 4 with an empty bowl of water and no ventilation or shade.

They said the dog was locked in the car with all the windows closed for an hour before the owner returned.

DSPCA inspectors and gardai were about to break the car windows when the owner returned to his vehicle.

The DSPCA added that further investigations are ongoing.

Advice for keeping animals cool

The organisation is also reminding people that the hot weather ahead can be uncomfortable and dangerous for pets. Education officer for the DSPCA Gillian Bird said:

People know that dogs should not be left in cars for even a few minutes in weather this hot, but other pets have to be taken into consideration on days like today.

Here are a few helpful hints to keep pets safe and comfortable today:

• Keep pets like dogs and cats indoors in a cool room with plenty of fresh water. Pets often lie out in the sun for longer than is good for them
• Make sure that the sun cannot shine in to the room by pulling curtains and keeping windows open enough to get a good breeze
• Don’t overfeed them, on hot days too much food can upset the stomach and make them uncomfortable
• Pop some wet dog or cat food into an empty yogurt pot and freeze it, it will make a nice cooling ice pop for them to enjoy
• Wet a towel and put it for your dog to lie on, it will help him keep cool
• Make sure pets such as rabbits, fish and pet birds are out of the direct sunlight and have plenty of shade to keep cool
• Be careful of walking your dog as the paths can get very hot in the sun and can burn their paws, check the temperature with your hand or feet or wait until later in the evening before exercising them
• If you have any concerns that your pet has gotten too hot and is showing signs of heat exhaustion contact your vet for advice
• Finally, do not take your dog in the car if it can be avoided, even for a short journey. Even with the windows open it can be too hot and your pet will suffer.