AFTER reports of distressed dogs being found in cars on warm days at Borders General Hospital, NHS Borders have issued a plea for pet owners leave their furry friends at home when attending hospital appointments.

In conjunction with the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), NHS Borders is urging visitors and patients attending to consider leaving their pets at home.

This is the second time in a matter of weeks the hospital have had to send out this message - after staff contacted the Border Telegraph last month to report the concerning number of dogs being found in vehicles in the on-site car park.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Leaving a window open or providing water is simply not good enough.

"Dogs can’t sweat the way humans do and need to pant to cool down which can lead to severe dehydration and hyperventilation.

“SSPCA run this campaign every year but we continue to receive a large number of calls from concerned members of the public during warm spells and we fear some owners just don’t understand the danger they are putting their pets in.”

Borders Pet Rescue have warned that in a parked car, it only takes 10 minutes for a dog to suffer a fatal level of heat stroke, and die. 

John McLaren, Employee Director for NHS Borders said: “The majority of our car parking is in direct sunlight and we would urge those coming to the BGH and other healthcare locations to consider leaving their pets at home whenever possible.

“With thousands of visitors and patients coming to NHS Borders healthcare locations every week we are encouraging staff to report distressed dogs left in cars in our car parks.

"Staff will make every effort to try and resolve the situation locally however the SSPCA and Police Scotland will be informed when necessary."