Hot Cars – Dog Death Traps

PIA’s Urgent Reminder: Dangers of Hot Cars for Pets

Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) is warning Australian pet owners about the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars, especially with soaring temperatures.

Heightened Risk in Hot Weather

Nadia Crighton, spokesperson for Pet Insurance Australia, emphasizes the heightened risk of pets suffering severe injuries due to being left in hot cars during hot weather.

Unawareness Can Be Harmful

Crighton notes the lack of awareness among pet owners about the rapidity with which dogs can suffer in hot cars, potentially facing serious illness or death in a matter of minutes.

Window Crack Ineffectiveness

Merely cracking open windows in parked cars offers little respite for dogs or cats overheating inside, according to research.

‘Greenhouse Effect’ and Internal Car Temperature

Studies reveal a ‘greenhouse effect’ in parked cars, leading to rapid temperature elevation even in cooler weather. At 22 degrees Celsius outside, a car’s interior can soar to a dangerous 46.6 degrees within an hour.

Life-Threatening Conditions

Overheating poses serious risks, causing irreversible organ damage and potential fatality in pets, particularly in dogs who regulate their temperature through panting and paw pads.

Short Tolerance to High Temperatures

Dogs have limited tolerance for high body temperatures and can suffer irreversible nerve, heart, brain, and liver damage in a short time.

Safety Precautions: Leaving Pets at Home

To ensure the health and safety of pets, Crighton advises pet owners to leave their pets at home if they cannot take them along while running errands.

Responding to Dogs in Hot Cars

If you encounter a dog struggling in a hot car:

• Note down the car’s registration.
• Seek permission from nearby businesses to make announcements, in case the owner is nearby.
• Contact local animal control, dog ranger, or the police.

Nadia Crighton – nadia@petinsuranceaustralia.com.au

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Contact information: Nadia Crighton, Pet Insurance Australia, 95 Sixth Road, Berkshire Park, New South Wales 2765

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