Department of Primary Industry and Resources
With extremely hot temperatures being felt currently, spare a thought for our best fur friends and the heat they’re experiencing.
The Territory, and particularly in Central Australia, is experiencing really hot conditions, and pet owners should be mindful of the risk of heat stroke in dogs.
Department of Primary Industry and Resources Director Animal Welfare Peter Phillips said dogs should never be left in a parked cars, especially in these hot conditions.
“It only takes six minutes for a dog to die in a hot car,” he said. “Dogs that are restrained in the back of a ute also need proper shade and access to water.
“Locking dogs in cars, or leaving dogs in direct sunlight and failing to provide appropriate shade and water can lead to heat stroke and constitutes animal cruelty.
“Temperatures in a car can rise to dangerous levels and can rapidly reach more than double the outside temperature.
“Tinting, parking in the shade or leaving the windows open do not help to reduce the inside temperature significantly.
“A quick rise in temperature in a dog can cause dehydration and blood thickening, leading to brain damage, vital organ failure and even death.”
Signs of heat stroke in dogs include quick and frequent panting, distressed and agitated behaviour, weakness and muscle tremors, and disorientation or sudden collapse.
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, move it to a cooler area, offer cool (not cold) water, gently wet the coat using a hose or place a wet towel over the dog in the path of a fan, and seek prompt veterinary care.
“Even if your dog appears to have recovered, he or she may be dehydrated or have suffered other complications,” Mr Phillips said.
Heavy penalties can apply under the Animal Welfare Act if pets are harmed when left in vehicles or without adequate shade or water.
Animal welfare inspectors, which include Police, have the power to enter your vehicle with as much force deemed necessary to rescue a distressed animal.
There is information about caring for pets and being a responsible pet owner on the Northern Territory Government website – www.nt.gov.au/animalwelfare.
If you are concerned about an animal’s welfare or suspect or witness animal cruelty, report it to Animal Welfare on 1300 720 386.
