PARKED CARS
Never leave your pet in a parked car even with the windows cracked. Temperatures can rise in a car within 10 minutes to dangerous levels, this can cause organ damage and also death. Even if you do not think your pet is parked in direct sun, the heat in the car can be extremely dangerous within minutes. If you see a pet trapped in a parked car seek help, call the council, call the SPCA. Dogs aren’t able to cool down as effectively as humans and suffer from heatstroke and dehydration very quickly.
WHAT TO DO IF DOG HAS OVERHEATED IN A PARKED CAR
If you’re there when a dog’s rescued from a hot car and it’s in distress, seek immediate veterinary advice and follow these steps:
The very first priority is to stop the dog from getting any hotter – provide shade from the sun and move to a cooler area.
Dampening the dog down with cool (but not freezing) water will start to bring the body temperature down. Place cool wet towels or water on the dog’s stomach
Wet towels can be used to cool a dog but these must be regularly changed. Apply these on the stomach area first then on the back.
You can try spraying the dog with water and placing them in front of the air conditioning vent to enhance evaporation on the way to the vets.
SHADE AND WATER
When your pet is outdoors enjoying the sun always ensure they have access to fresh cold water. Protection from the heat such as shade that has plenty of airflow is ideal and a must for your pet. Always ensure they have a Tree, Tarpaulin, Kennel or access to go indoors when they are too hot.
PET FRIENDLY SUNSCREEN
Skin cancer in pets is common just like people. Their fur provides some protection but this is not enough. They require a pet safe sunscreen applied to their bellies, ears, noses. Cats require sunscreen on their ears and noses.
In the mid-afternoon when the sun is at its most intense try keep your pet out of the sun.
Human Sunscreen is toxic to pets, only apply pet-safe sunscreen which can be bought from your vets or a pet store.
WATER WISE – WATER SAFETY FOR PETS
Consider having your pet wear a bright coloured life jacket. Just like us they too can become in trouble in the water.
Always be aware of Rips and the current. If your dog is caught in one while playing they can be swept out to sea in no time. River safety is also recommended as your pet can still get into trouble in a river.
GRASS SEEDS
When your pet has been in long grass, check your pets eyes, ears, nose, skin and paws as certain grass can become embedded. You will need to seek vet assistance should this occur.
EXERCISE ON HOT DAYS
When its hot try to exercise your dog in the early morning or later in the evening when its a little cooler.
Remember footpaths and roads become very hot and can burn your pet’s paws. Walk on the grass or through a bush to provide a more comfortable walk for your pet.
Keep water with you at all times to stop your dog becoming dehydrated.
HOT TIP: To tell if the footpath is too hot, place your hand on the pavement. If the footpath is too hot for your hand it is too hot for your pet’s paws.
BBQ’s
We all love BBQs during summer, it’s part of enjoying hot sunny days. Limit the BBQ food you share with your pet, high fat foods can cause your pet severe abdominal pain. NEVER allow your dog to eat a corn cob, they can lodge in a dog’s intestines. Cooked bones are also not a good treat, they can splinter in the dog’s stomach and cause serious and even life-threatening problems.
At Christmas remember NO CHOCOLATE / NO FRUIT MINCE PIES. These treats are toxic to your pets.
