SOUTHAMPTON veterinary surgeons have pleaded with pet owners to protect their pets against the hot weather – by carrying out their own experiment.

The surgeons from Easipetcare Southampton have said that, despite the main heatwave drawing to a close, the warm climate through the rest of the summer means that beloved pets still need protection.

Victoria Egan, the head of practice at the vets, said that a car is just like an oven.

It comes after the team carried out an experiment in an unoccupied staff car that had been parked with the windows down half-way for 20 minutes.

A thermometer in the back of the car was placed and within minutes the temperature exceeded 35 degrees celcius.

Victoria said: “The cardinal sin of pet ownership is leaving an animal in a parked car for any length of time. A car is just like an oven and even with a window partially open it can soon become a death trap.

“Dogs can’t cool down like we do as they only sweat in a few places. Imagine sitting, wearing two jumpers and two pairs of trousers, unable to sweat from anywhere but your palms, soles of your feet and nose – it would be unbearable very quickly.”

Heat related issues such as heatstroke and dehydration are treatable, so long as they are caught early, the vets added. Dogs who seem to be suffering from heatstroke shouldn’t be doused in cold water as they can go into shock.

The vets advised that they should be gradually cooled down with wet towels and ice packs, though immediate veterinary advice should be sought.

Victoria added: “It’s not just larger animals that need special attention when the temperatures soar – small animals such as guinea pigs are especially sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.

“It’s vital that they have access to shade and plenty of water.

“Don’t forget that the position of the sun will move throughout the day – if your pet is kept outside, particularly rabbits in wooden hutches that won’t have shade – it will be much safer to move them inside your house away from the sun.