Animals in Hot Cars
The RSPCA is appealing to motorists to realise the dangers of leaving animals, especially dogs, unattended in cars and on the back of ute trays.
“Cars left stationary in the sun become ovens and dogs can develop heat stroke and suffer a cruel death in only 6 minutes. Ute trays also become extremely hot so dogs can suffer a similar fate.” said RSPCA NSW Chief Veterinarian Dr Magdoline Awad.
Here are some important facts regarding dogs in hot cars:
* 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.
* A dog panting inside a car will raise the temperature even more quickly.
* Leaving the window down or parking in the shade does little to stop the temperature rising in the car.
* All animals are affected by heat stress.
