Summer Safety: Dogs in Cars

December 21st, 2015

pet insurance dog cat

As we delve deeper and deeper into the hottest part of the year, it is even more important to keep your dog safe and healthy during the summer months. One of the most crucial aspects of this is knowing the implications and consequences of leaving your dog in a car during warmer weather.

Important Facts

 

  • The temperature inside a car can double in a matter of minutes.
  • A dog left in a car can die within as little as 6 minutes as they are not able to sweat to cool themselves.
  • Leaving the window down or parking in the shade does little to stop the temperature rising in the car.
  • A dog panting inside a car will raise the temperature even more quickly.

How hot is it in your car?

Leaving your dog in a car in warmer weather could result in severe consequences, such as seizures, blood clots, stroke, kidney failure, liver failure, muscle atrophy or even death! To avoid dogs going through this ordeal, there are important measures that you can take if you ever come across an irresponsible owner who has left their dog in their car in warmer temperatures:

 

  1. If you know the owner, tell them ???Your dog will suffer in the heat.??? Then proceed to ensure the owner removes the dog from the car and takes the necessary steps to ensure that their dog is okay.
  2. If you are in a parking lot, you can notify the business or shopping centre about the situation ??? they can often use a public announcement system to reach the dog???s owner.

There will always be alternatives to avoid the risk of having to leave your dog in your car.

These include:

  • NOT taking your pet with you during warmer weather.
  • Bringing a friend with you who can look after your pet in a shaded area while you run errands.
  • Shopping at places/eating at restaurants that allow you to bring your dog inside.So Please be safe with your pet this summer! Help them stay Healthy and Hydrated.

For more information on Victorian legal requirements for dogs in vehicles, please visit:??http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/legal-requirements-for-dog-owners/dogs-on-moving-vehicles

For more information on Dogs locked in cars in warmer weather for New South Wales Residents, please visit:??http://www.mynrma.com.au/blog/2015/01/15/what-should-you-do-if-you-see-a-pet-locked-inside-a-hot-car/

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