That’s ruff: Tasmanian heatwave prompts RSPCA warning

Tasmania is sweltering through a heatwave and with temperatures expected to hit 12 degrees above average the RSPCA was warning people about the risk to their pets. What to do if you see a pet in heat distress:

Austin Agg having fun with his dogs Ruffy and Remy on Kingston beach. Picture: Linda Higginson

Tasmanians and their furry friends are bracing for the heat, with temperatures on Monday expected to be 6-10 degrees above average.

Lindisfarne family Kate, Kelvin and Austin Agg were helping their dogs Ruffy and Remy cool off at Kingston Beach on Sunday.

Mr Agg said on hot days they tend to find a dog friendly beach for the dogs, mainly Remy, to swim in either at Kingston or Bellerive.

Mrs Agg said on high temperature days they will take the dogs for their daily work early in the morning before it gets too hot.

On Sunday the whole state, except King Island, was experiencing low to severe heatwave conditions, with parts of the state under extreme heatwave conditions.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Matthew Thomas said temperatures were 8-12 degrees above average on Sunday and would be 6-10 degrees above average on Monday.

Coastal residents can expect respite from the heat, with the sea breeze to keep temperatures milder.

Kate and Kelvin Agg with son Austin and dogs Ruffy and Remy at Kingston dog beach. Picture: Linda Higginson

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting Hobart to hit 33 degrees on Monday.

The heatwave prompted a timely warning from RSPCA Tasmania who said even a quick trip could cost your pets life- as a dog can die in as little as six minutes in a hot car.

“With the Tasmanian forecast to hit 32°C this Monday, it is critical to leave pets at home

rather than risk their lives in parked vehicles,” RSPCA Tasmania posted to Facebook.

“Despite repeated warnings, pets continue to suffer and die because owners vastly underestimate how quickly a car or ute can become a death trap,” the post read.

“A short errand can take longer than expected, leaving animals, most commonly dogs, exposed to extreme heat.”

Originally published as That’s ruff: Tasmanian heatwave prompts RSPCA warning