I’m sure you all know the feeling of getting in the car on a hot Summer’s day and burning your hands on the steering wheel and the seat belt… OUCH! Well imagine how your dog might feel being trapped in there while you quickly pop into the air conditioned shops… Dogs Die in Hot Cars Fact Sheet.
If you find an animal in a hot car there are steps you can take that could potentially save a life, find out what you should do here.
Dogs don’t sweat. Instead, they cool themselves down through panting (evaporative cooling from the lungs and mouth), lying on cool surfaces and drinking cool water. With the combination of the extremely hot and humid weather in Queensland at the moment and cars that are made from metal and glass (both are extremely good at retaining heat), dogs that are left in hot cars are put in a life threatening situation. Panting is not a sufficient cooling method in these extreme weather conditions and there are no cool surfaces for them to cool off on.
If you want these RSPCA signs above installed in your shopping complex or carpark please email marketing@rspcaqld.org.au.
Did you know that some dogs may suffer more than others in the heat? For example, dog breeds with short faces (i.e. Pugs and Bulldogs) suffer even more because they find it harder to breathe. Before you realise the impact the heat has had on your dog, it’s often too late. Dogs die in hot cars. So don’t risk it and consider leaving your furry friends at home if you have to pop out to the shops.
Dogs may pant, drool and become restless. Over time, they may become weak, the colour of their gums may start to change, they may start to stagger and experience vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures. If you see your pet exhibiting these symptoms, call the vet immediately, however, do not transport your pet when they are still hot. For emergency treatment at home, immediately remove your pet from the heat and make sure you bring their body temperature down at a steady rate by spraying cool water on their armpits, foot pads and groin (don’t use ice-cold water as this may cool them down too rapidly).
Dogs may pant, drool and become restless. Over time, they may become weak, the colour of their gums may start to change, they may start to stagger and experience vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures. If you see your pet exhibiting these symptoms, call the vet immediately, however, do not transport your pet when they are still hot. For emergency treatment at home, immediately remove your pet from the heat and make sure you bring their body temperature down at a steady rate by spraying cool water on their armpits, foot pads and groin (don’t use ice-cold water as this may cool them down too rapidly).
Find out how to keep your dogs, cats and livestock cool this Summer
Ruby is a Media, Communication and Marketing student at QUT University. As a lover of all creatures great and small, she wishes to use her skills to raise awareness for animal welfare
