NHS Borders is asking you to make plans for your pets when attending healthcare appointments during warmer weather.

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

This action comes after reports of seeing distressed dogs being left inside vehicles on warm days at the Borders General Hospital.

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.”

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.