The common mistake that could put your dog’s life in serious danger

As animal lovers take their pets out to enjoy the sunshine this summer, new warnings have emerged about this common mistake that could cost them their life.

Picture this: It’s a boiling hot afternoon, the mercury is rising and the sky is clear.

It’s a total cracker of a day and as a treat, you’ve decided to take your furry friend out for the day to enjoy the sunshine.

You grab their lead and pile them into the car, and decide to stop on the way for a quick coffee, leaving your dog behind.

However innocuous this may sound to you, for your dog, it could be closer to a nightmare.

While it’s tempting to take your pet out on a hot day, there are important factors to consider first. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Just like humans, animals need access to shade and plenty of water when it’s hot outside.

However, unlike their owners, pets such as dogs are unable to regulate their own body temperature in the same way we do, instead relying on panting and sweating through their paw pads to keep cool.

“Our dogs rely on us to make the best decisions for their safety and wellbeing,” Houndztooth founder Rachael Tricarico told NewsWire.

This is especially true if you leave your dog unattended in the car when it’s boiling outside. Even if it is only for 10 minutes, the scorching conditions could spell disaster for your furry pal.

“Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans, making them highly vulnerable to heatstroke, dehydration which can result in a devastating outcome, such as death,” Ms Tricarico said.

The frightening reality of being inside a hot car

Cars can get exceedingly hot when they’re switched off, especially if it’s over 30C outside; being in the heat without water or fresh air can be suffocating.

Ms Tricarico said temperatures inside a parked car could skyrocket incredibly quickly on a hot day, soaring past 50C in as little as 10 minutes on a 30C day.

“After 30 minutes, it can reach over 60C, which is life-threatening for pets,” she said.
Keeping your pet in the car on a hot day can be seriously dangerous to your pet’s health, leaving them dehydrated and in extreme distress.

“The most serious danger is heatstroke, which can cause organ failure, brain damage, and even death in a very short time,” Ms Tricarico said.

“It’s a frightening and painful experience for them.”

Keeping dogs in a hot car is not worth the risk. Picture: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Is it illegal to leave your dog in the car?

While there is no blanket law against leaving your pet unattended in cars in Australia, it is generally frowned upon, with varying penalties between states and territories.

In Victoria, it is illegal to leave an animal unattended in a car for more than 10 minutes when temperatures exceed 28C.

In Western Australia, it is an offence to confine an animal anywhere, including a vehicle, in circumstances where it could sustain injuries or suffer pain.

A person may face criminal charges in NSW for animal cruelty if they suffer pain, sickness or die from being left in a car.

In Queensland, a person may face charges if they leave an animal without appropriate water and shelter.

A person may face criminal charges in NSW for animal cruelty if they suffer pain, sickness or die from being left in a car.

Some states, including South Australia, the NT and Tasmania, will issue charges if an animal suffers injury or death as a result of being left inside a car.

In hot weather, it’s best to stick to walks in the early morning or late evening. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Top tips for keeping pets safe in summer
While it may be tempting to take your dog outside for a walk or play on a hot day, there are some tips you should consider before grabbing their lead.

Keeping hydrated is an essential tool for dogs to maintain a safe body temperature, so make sure they always have access to fresh and cool water.

Avoid taking your pet for a walk between midday and 4pm, when heat is at its peak and footpaths are the hottest, potentially burning their paws. Instead, early morning or late evening outings are recommended.

While it is strongly advised to never leave your pet in the car, sometimes it is unavoidable.

In these circumstances, Ms Tricarico recommends parking your car in a fully shaded area and, if possible, keeping the air conditioner running.

“However, I’d strongly urge you to avoid it altogether if you can,” she said.

Keeping your windows down isn’t always a solution, either.

Heat management is important for pets over the summer months. Picture: NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

In many states, including Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, SA and Queensland, it is an offence to park your car with the windows down if you’ve moved more than three metres away from the vehicle.

At the end of the day, keeping your pet inside a car unattended isn’t worth the risk.

“Even if it is an emergency, I would look for an alternative,” she said.

“Dogs depend on us to keep them safe, and the dangers far outweigh any convenience.”

Originally published as The common mistake that could put your dog’s life in serious danger