Hot cars a disaster for your pets!
When the warmer weather approaches, it is important to keep in mind how it effects your pets. If you are dreaming up that hot summers day road trip with your mate, you need to ensure the air conditioner is on and there is adequate ventilation in the car. Always have fresh water available. If you are getting out of the car, even for a few minutes, always keep your pet with you.
The sad reality is, pets die in hot cars. It only takes a few minutes for a car to rapidly rise in temperature creating an oven like environment. This causes distress and agony for your fur kid left inside, as they are unable to cool themselves down in the hot, poorly ventilated car. As their body temperature rises there is excessive panting, drooling, red gums progressing to vomiting, tremors, seizures and collapse.
Cautionary note: overheating doesn’t only happen in the car, but also when they are outside without adequate shade and when they are exercised in hot weather.
What can you do when your pet is showing signs of heat stress?
- get your pet out of the hot environment and in the shade pronto
- cool your pet as soon as possible – cool water over the body, ear flaps, paws and use fans on them
- offer water to drink if they are interested. However, don’t force the issue
- Crank the air con in the car and head straight to the nearest vet.
If you see a pet suffering in a hot car, please call your state Police on 000. You may just save a life.
Please share and alert everyone you know who has a pooch, kitty, bunny, any type of pet who is out in the sun. This is a very serious risk and we need your help in keeping everyone safe this summer.
