This week’s expected soaring temperatures have prompted the RSPCA to warn pet owners about the dangers of heat stress.
“People simply have to be aware of the dangers,” RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty said.
“If it’s 30 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can potentially rise to well over 40 degrees in less than five minutes. We tested a light coloured sedan last year and the temperature rose to 57 degrees in 12 minutes. Any animal left inside would have been dead.
“Animals left in the back yard must also be able to access shelter and water.
“If a dog is tethered they can become tangled and be unable to reach their water or shelter. We would recommend that there are at least two to three containers of water in case one gets knocked over. A dog can survive for a few days without food, but in this weather, if it has no shade or water it will die.”
Exercising dogs in the middle of the day can also be dangerous at this time of the year. They tend to overheat very quickly and once their temperature rises above 40 degrees they can die.
“If a dog is suffering from heat stress it’s imperative to get its temperature down as quickly as possible,” Mr Beatty said.
“Hose them down with water and, better still, place ice packs on their head and stomach.
“It’s no good rushing them to the vet in a hot car because the chances are their temperature will continue to rise. Try to cool them down first.”
