Over the weekend of December 19 and 20, the Wellington SPCA responded to two calls about dogs in hot cars. Photo / John Stone
Over the weekend of December 19 and 20, the Wellington SPCA responded to two calls about dogs in hot cars. Photo / John Stone
The Herald talks to the SPCA to find out how we can be better friends to our animals. In the first of a five-part series, Amelia Wade investigates how cars and dogs are a dangerous mix in high temperatures.
Every day over summer, the SPCA Auckland responds to about a dozen calls regarding dogs locked in cars that are quickly overheating.
Usually, the pet can be saved by quick-thinking inspectors. But in a couple of cases each year, a dog will die from heatstroke.
"Of course people don't do it on purpose, but you need to realise your dog will suffer even within 10 minutes on a hot day," said SPCA Auckland senior inspector Kevin Plowright.
"Sometimes we have to break into the car to save the dog because it is so distressed. And unfortunately it's the ones we don't hear about, in the less populated areas, that we get there too late."
Every time the SPCA is called out, even if they manage to resolve the situation without going to the carpark, the owner will get a letter about the dangers of their actions. The society can run number plates to make contact.
Already this summer, dogs have suffered. Over the weekend of December 19 and 20, the Wellington SPCA responded to two calls about dogs in hot cars.
One of the pets was left in the car for 40 minutes. Although two windows were down, there was no water for the dog to drink and it was found overheated and very distressed.
"The dog was very lucky," said Wellington SPCA senior inspector Ben Lakomy.
"Any longer and it could have died. It is very frustrating when this happens, owners just don't think. A mistake like this could cost them their pet's life."
On a 30C day, the temperature inside a car can reach 39C within 10 minutes, even if it's parked in the shade and the windows are open.
And in 30 minutes, the temperature might climb as high as 49C, according to figures from the SPCA.
Dogs do not deal with heat as well as humans do; instead of sweating they can only pant to keep themselves cool, and because a dog's normal temperature is about 38.5C, they can only withstand a body temperature of around 41C for a short amount of time before it suffers irreparable brain damage, then death.
The Veterinary Association's Companion Animal Society president, Dr Brendon Bullen, said people should be aware of the signs of overheating and heatstroke in dogs.
The early signs are:
• increased breathing effort;
• excessive panting and weakness;
• an overheated dog may just slow down on a walk, and not want to continue.
If this progresses to heatstroke you may see drooling and glazed eyes, leading to lack of co-ordination, vomiting and collapse.
In New Zealand, it is not an offence to leave an animal in a vehicle, but you can be charged if the animal becomes distressed from the heat.
SPCA inspectors and police can forcibly enter the vehicle to save a dog from heat exhaustion. Offenders could be jailed for up to three years, or may face a fine not exceeding $75,000, or both.
"It might have been an accident," Mr Plowright said, "but we will prosecute."
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