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Help Pets Keep Their Cool
Released on Tuesday 10, November 2009
With temperatures set to soar around the State in coming months this weekend, RSPCA Tasmania has issued an early warning on the dangers of heat stress.
RSPCA officers said people need to be aware of the weather conditions and the threat they can pose to all animals.
“Animals left in backyards must have access to adequate shelter and water at all times. If an animal must be tethered, they can become tangled, unable to reach their water or shelter, so ideally there should be at least two to three containers of water within reach in case one gets knocked over. In addition there needs to be plenty of readily-accessible shade like a large tree or a man-made shelter. Having said that, tethering should always only be a short-term option”.
The RSPCA is also reiterating its yearly message about leaving dogs in cars.
“The temperature inside a car can double in minutes, which only increases if a dog is panting. Leaving windows down or parking in the shade does little to help keep a car cool, and dogs with short noses like pugs, boxers and Pekinese are at particular risk.
“We cannot emphasise enough how serious this is ... people need to understand that a dog shut in an enclosed car on a hot day, can die in as little as six minutes. Consider this, in the time it takes for you pick up a few things for dinner at the supermarket and get through the check-out, your dog could have already have died an agonising death.”
The RSPCA officers went on to say that ute trays could also get extremely hot, and animals should have access to shelter – preferably a canopy - and water. He also recommended people avoid exercising their dogs in the hottest part of the day, stating early morning or late evening were preferable.
“We have already received reports of animals dying of heat stress in other States, and Summer hasn’t even officially begun. We want to make sure Tasmania doesn’t experience the same tragedy.
“The simplest way to avoid any problems is just to leave you dog at home with all the necessary provisions. It’s just common sense. ”
If your dog experiences heat stress, characterised by increased and excessive panting, vocalisation, agitation and drooling, reduce their body temperature as quickly as possible by placing them in moving air, like in front of an air conditioner or a fan on its coldest setting. Ice packs on the stomach and head will also help. The next step should be to contact your vet immediately.
The RSPCA advised that if anyone observed a dog locked in a car showing obvious distress, they should not try to intervene themselves but call their local police or the RSPCA immediately.
Download assets/files/media-releases/Help Pets Keep Their Cool.pdf.