Dogs Die in Hot Cars

The Issues  Travelling with Animals  Warning Signs  What to do in an Emergency  How you can help

What to do in an emergency

Precious seconds can mean saving a dog’s life. Be alert for a dog (or other animal) left in distress inside a locked vehicle – get emergency help without delay.

In a car park, notify centre management immediately and phone one of the following:

·         RSPCA Animal Cruelty Hotline – 1300 852 188

·         DPI Call Centre – 13 25 23

·         Your local Police station or 000 – emergencies only

How to treat hyperthermia and heatstroke

If a dog is displaying signs of heatstroke, it is important to cool its body down immediately. For a dog to survive, aim to reduce its body temperature to 39°C within 30-60 minutes. This can be achieved by:

·         Gently hosing down the dog (easiest and most accessible method for most people)

·         Placing ice bags between the back legs or on the jugular vein (on side of neck)

·         Packing cool towels and ice packs in armpits and stomach areas where there is little or no fur

·         Cooling the head – e.g. with cold water, cool sponge, or wet towel

·         Massaging extremities to increase blood flow and allow better cooling

·         Covering the body with a wet towel in the path of a fan

Although dogs are generally not allowed in shopping centres due to health regulations, in an emergency take the initiative. A cool, airconditioned shopping centre, and toilets with access to water, could help save an animal’s life.

It is vital to get the dog to a veterinarian following initial first aid treatment to reduce body temperature. But do not place a heat-stressed dog directly in a hot car for vet treatment until the animal has been sufficiently cooled down, as this may further put the dog’s life at risk.