Dog owners are being urged not to bring their pets with them when visiting an Oswestry hospital.
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital is warning visitors and patients against leaving dogs in cars while attending appointments or visiting patients.
Recent incidents have raised concern that dogs are being left in vehicles, putting them at serious risk of heatstroke and death, especially during warmer weather.
The hospital is asking that visitors and patients avoid bringing their dogs to its hospitals but instead to leave them at home or with a friend or neighbour.
The hospital warned that even mild temperatures can quickly become deadly for dogs left inside vehicles.
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A statement said: "Normal body temperature for dogs is around 38.5C/101.4F; a dog can only withstand a high body temperature for only a short time before suffering. Dogs can die from heatstroke in as little as 20 minutes.
"In warm, sunny weather cars become ovens and even if it’s cloudy, the temperature inside a car can become dangerously hot for a dog. When it is just 22°C (72°F) outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) or even higher.
"If a dog left in a car is panting for breath, it may be starting to suffer from heatstroke. This could kill the dog very quickly.
"Leaving the car windows open or putting a bowl of water inside does not help.
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"Temperatures in air-conditioned cars can reach the same as the outside air temperature within just five minutes of air conditioning being turned off."
The hospital also warned that if it becomes aware of any dogs being left in vehicles, it will be reported to the police and the RSPCA.
They asked anyone who sees a dog in distress to contact the RSPCA 24-hour national cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.
Leaving a dog in a hot car can lead to prosecution.
Although there is no specific law against this, owners can be charged under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 for causing unnecessary suffering or failing in their duty of care.
Penalties can include an unlimited fine, a prison sentence, and a ban on keeping animals.
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