This year’s Crufts will be the launch pad for a new innovative temperature alarm for dogs.

AnimAlarm is the inspiration of former three-day event rider Victoria Davidson. She has spent her whole life owning and working with animals and for many years had worried about the comfort of her own dogs and horses while travelling with them in various vehicles.

Ideally suited for breeders, working dog, show dog and pet owners who have to transport their dogs around the country, this special device monitors the temperature in the car and triggers an alarm to your mobile phone via a Text message when it reaches a temperature that could seriously damage the health of the animal.

Although attention has been drawn to the dangers of leaving dogs in stationary vehicles what people don’t realise is that the temperature in a vehicle often varies to upper and lower extremes very quickly while in transit.

Studies have shown that the passenger compartment of a vehicle with the air-conditioning set to 27°C (80°F) can often mean that the temperature in the rear of the car can reach up to 32°C (90°F) which is dangerously high for a dog. Similarly a car that gets too cold can also trigger health problems.

“The advice now is to travel with your dog in a protective cage in the boot of the vehicle but how can you be sure that your dog is comfortable?" said Victoria.

"Dogs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses; they can only cool off by panting and perspiration through the very few sweat glands in their footpads.

"Even short exposure to excessive temperatures, hot or cold can cause the body’s cells to stop working properly and release harmful chemicals which can lead to nerve and liver damage, heart problems, brain damage and even death.

“AnimAlarm now ensures that your dog is travelling at an appropriate temperature in your car and takes the guess work out of it for you.

"The device is simple to use with both Fahrenheit and Centigrade settings. It also has an Eco mode for long term monitoring so it is ideal for use when checking the temperature in kennels, conservatories, barns and other outbuildings.

'You can change your nominated mobile phone in seconds via a Text message and it is supplied with two chargers, a double USB car charger, a double USB home charger and USB lead.”

AnimAlarm has already received positive feedback from vets and public sector organisations that use working dogs as well as from customers who have bought and used the product.

Kevin Dover, a top Championship Corgi Breeder who has to transport his dogs all round the world, said: “AnimAlarm now gives us peace of mind that our valuable dogs are happy and comfortable in transit.

"It was not possible before to know exactly what the temperature was in the back of the car but now we have the reassurance that we need that if there is a dramatic change we are fully alerted and can take action.”

For more information visit www.animalarm.co.uk or email victoria@animalarm.co.uk

Picture caption: Championship Corgi Breeder and Show Judge Kevin Dover with Victoria Davidson who founded AnimAlarm (below).