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Pets can die in hot cars -
It is inadvisable for pet owners to leave their dogs in a car, even on a moderately warm day. The temperature inside a car can reach dangerous levels very quickly (even with the windows partially open) and can cause an animal great suffering, heatstroke or even death.
Dogs can't sweat and rely on cool air to keep their body temperatures regulated. A dog in a parked car is forced to breath warm air because of the heat reflecting off the glass. The dog's panting can raise the temperature even more quickly. The animal can't cool its body down and may suffer heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes. Heatstroke can cause brain damage or death.
The symptoms include:
- Excessive panting and salivation
Vomiting
- An anxious or staring expression; glazed eyes
- A fast pulse rate and high body temperature
- Diarrhoea
- Exhaustion or collapse
If an animal appears to have these symptoms you will need to act quickly
- Move the animal to a cool, shady area
- Pour cool water over its body or place wet towels or ice packs to the head, neck and chest areas
- If a fan is available you can use this to encourage the flow of cool air around the body
- Immediately take the animal to your veterinarian for medical treatment
Prevention is better than cure-be a responsible pet owner and never leave your pets in the car unattended. Besides the risk of heatstroke, if the car is stolen or damaged, or even catches fire, no one is present to rescue the animal. It is much kinder to leave them at home.
- From the Summer 2001 issue of Pet Times, published by Logos Consulting Ltd, pettimes@logosconsulting.co.nz. Reprinted with permission.
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Useful NZ Dog links
Walk into NZ's dogweb - Information about working dogs, training issues, dog trainers, dog problems, a listing of dog clubs, breeders and trainers, canine health and care, a dog blog and pet education. Dog news updated daily. Click below -
A beautiful part of NZ with pet friendly accommodation - even humans are tolerated...
A free online magazine of doggyness...
A NZ site full of pet info - message boards, lost and found, pets for sale and much more
Associated with the Hamilton City Council (Tripod site has 'pop ups' which can annoy).
Links to the TDC Dog Asoption website.
NZ Quarantine Regulations
For cats and dogs entering New Zealand from approved countries.
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