Hot cars kill dogs - warning from the RSPCA

Dogs die in hot cars is the message from the RSPCA this summer. 

The temperature in a parked car can quickly rise to over 60º C. Under these conditions a dog locked inside can suffer from heat stress in as little as six minutes, resulting in an agonising death. Even cars parked in the shade on an overcast day can become dangerously hot.

Tips for hot summer months.

• If you see a dog in a hot car and it is unlocked, remove the dog and place it tethered in the shade with water. If necessary leave a note for the owner informing them where the dog may be collected.
• If the dog is suffering from heat stress phone the RSPCA on 9209 3900 or if the RSPCA is unavailable phone the Police on 9222 1111. Only General Inspectors appointed under the Animal Welfare Act and the police are authorised to break into a vehicle to release a dog in distress.
• If the dog is suffering from heat stress and the vehicle is unlocked please remove the dog and place it in a cool area. Sponge its stomach with cool water to rapidly reduce its body temperature. Cover it with damp towels and take it to a vet as quickly as possible. Leave a note on the vehicle to inform the driver of what has occurred and where the dog can be collected from.

How to identify heat stress

• Excessive panting, the tongue of a heat stressed dog usually curls in on itself when panting.
• Excessive salivating, the dog will often appear to be quite wet around the muzzle.
• Reddened gums.
• Lying very still, if the dog is also displaying the above symptoms this is a very serious situation and the dog is close to death.

Reference: www.rspcawa.asn.au

Return to the index...

This article has been viewed 3681 times.