Prepare your pets as temperatures rise.
With the temperatures set to rise dramatically throughout Queensland next week, RSPCA Qld is bracing for dozens of emergency calls in relation to dogs being tethered in the sun, left with no water and shade or locked in cars.
“We’re praying that this won’t be the case,” said RSPCA Qld spokesperson Michael Beatty. “But sadly every year, despite the warnings and despite the help of the media to relay the warnings, some people don’t listen and animals suffer and some die.”
In the past year, RSPCA Qld has received 942 complaints related to allegations of an animal suffering from the heat.
Cookie and Nora (pictured below) are two dogs that came into the care of RSPCA Qld after being located in a locked vehicle on the Gold Coast, both dogs were showing signs of severe heat stress.
As a result of their condition, the dogs were both hospitalised for a number of days, where they received lifesaving treatment. Although touch and go at times, Cookie and Nora have made a full recovery and are now available for adoption.
This matter is currently under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA Qld on 1300 ANIMAL.
The RSPCA reminds, “If it’s thirty degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can potentially rise to well over forty degrees in less than five minutes.”
“A dog can survive for days without food, but in these temperatures, if they don’t have shade or can’t reach water they’ll die. A rope or a chain can easily become entangled in furniture or plants and that can be fatal. It’s far better to make the yard or courtyard secure and then it won’t be necessary to tether the dog in the first place. We would also recommend that there are at least two to three containers of water in case one gets knocked over.”
If you see an animal in distress, contact the RSPCA’s 24/7 Animal Emergency Hotline 1300 ANIMAL.
