YOU wouldn’t leave your children in a car on a hot day, so don’t do it to your pets. That’s the message University of Melbourne vet Mark Davis (pictured) wants to stress to pet owners having treated a high number of dogs for heat exhaustion.
The university’s Werribee veterinary hospital was busy the first two weeks of the year treating dogs that had been locked in cars and left without shade and water. Dr Davis said that, just like humans, pets should not be left in a car or a confined space.
“Once the humidity heats up they can’t cool down. When heat stroke happens it’s pretty devastating and not much can be done.”
Owners should ensure pets had plenty of cool water and a shady spot, preferably indoors, on days over 30 degrees, and should not be exercised in the heat.
Pets displaying signs of heat exhaustion, including breathing problems, should be hosed down and taken immediately to a vet.
