Summer poses serious risks to all animals

06 January 2009

As the temperatures in WA soar so too does the risk to animals from heat exposure. This is particularly true of dogs left alone in yards or cars.

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.
We want to ensure animals do not suffer and the RSPCA is asking people to be on the lookout for animals that could potentially be at risk through lack of shelter or because they are confined in an area where heat stress is a risk.

In a very recent case a dog died because it was tied to a pole in a yard with no shelter. There was a bucket of water for the dog to drink from but while the owner was out it was knocked over. With no water and no shelter from the sun the dog quickly succumbed to the heat and in a desperate effort to free itself was choked to death by the leash attached to the pole.

Please remember that your animal needs everything humans need to protect them from the sun. If they are not under shelter for prolonged periods their skin will burn, particularly around the nose and if they are without water they will dehydrate very quickly.
Here are some tips for these 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 9300 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.