As the weather gets warmer, the council is backing the Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign, stressing the dangers of leaving dogs alone cars.
Stencilled messages will be sprayed in car parks reminding people not to gamble with their dog’s life. We will target our busiest car parks and those used by dog walkers.
When it’s 22 Celsius outside, within an hour, the temperature can reach 47 Celsius inside a vehicle, which can result in death for a dog.
Dogs are covered in fur and do not sweat in the same way humans do. Dogs pant to keep themselves cool, but this is less effective at high temperatures and humidity.
A three degree rise in a dog’s body temperature can be fatal.
Councillor Roddy McCuish, Policy Lead for Roads and Amenity Services, said: “¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute is a very dog-friendly destination and we welcome residents, visitors and their pets into many of our shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
“But if you aren’t sure you can take your dog with you when you leave the car, we urge you to leave it safely at home. Please do not take the risk by thinking you won’t be long. Not long is too long.â€
Details of the campaign, which is back by a number of animal charities, can be found on the Dogs Trust website . You can download leaflets and posters advising on what to do if you see a dog in distress in a hot car and how to give emergency first aid to dogs with heat stroke. You can also order free window stickers, which can be displayed in cars or shops, or download an infographic which can be shared online.