On a standard weekly supermarket visit Tarneit resident Emma Douglas noticed something she can only describe as horrible.
Outside in the carpark, she noticed a small dog inside a car and the window rolled down less than an inch.
Checking the temperature, Ms Douglas was startled to realise it was 37 degrees.
“I tried putting my hand in the window to give the dog some water but as the window was up so high I couldn’t get my hand in,” she said.
Another member of the public attempted to call the police, but Ms Douglas said the dog was in the car for at least 30 minutes before the driver returned and drove away.
The experience has prompted Ms Douglas to issue a desperate plea to dog owners.
“Be responsible,” she said.
“It’s much better to leave your dog at home (even outside with shade and access to water) if you’re going to supermarket,” she said.
Wyndham Vet Clinic head nurse Susan said heat stress is a real concern for pets in the hot summer months.
“We see this when pets that are left in cars but also on hot days ( greater than 30 degrees) when pets are in their own backyards or going for routine walks,” she said.
“Certain dog breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs like French bulldogs, boxer and pugs, are more prone to heat stress due to their physical conformation that is; shorter noses, narrower airways and longer soft palate.
“During extremely hot days or excessive exercise these breeds are more susceptible to overheating/hyperthermia.
“Overheating can be serious, causing dehydration, tremoring and seizures which can lead to permanent brain damage and even death in some cases.”
Susan suggests keeping pets inside on very hot days, making sure that they’re not out in the direct heat for long periods of time, have access to shallow dog pools to keep cool in or shaded areas and access to fresh drinking water.
“Prevention is key with heat stress but signs of heat stress would include excessive panting, including drooling, tremors and seizures,” she said.
“If you believe your pet is overheated you can wet down the animal and hydrate the pet and contact your local vet for assistance immediately.”
