A brief reminder to pet owners from the RSPCA: it is HOT! And if we are hot, imagine how our cats and dogs feel wearing a fur coat!
As the temperature rises, so does the risk of our pets suffering dehydration, or even death. We receive hundreds of calls every summer from concerned members of the public who have seen pets in backyards with no water and/or shelter, or dogs in hot cars with no breeze.
There are a few things to remember, and while they seem basic, we continue to be amazed at just how many people are NOT taking simple measures to care for their pets during summer! And, of course, it IS an offence to fail to provide animals with water and or shelter – it really is a horrible form of cruelty.
Here are some easy things to remember as we go head first into summer.
1) WATER- YES it is simple, but, again, people DO forget – however in this weather you simply CANNOT! You NEED at least TWO LARGE, STEADY water sources. Water can be knocked over (especially by dogs) and, of course, water evaporates.
2) SHELTER – You simply cannot leave animals in a backyard in the scorching sun – it’s a virtual death sentence. A doggie/cat door is a great idea – it gives easy access to the cool of the house. If you’re not keen on this idea, then a kennel, of sorts, is also a great idea.
Hopefully your house had lovely big natural pergolas – aka trees! Then you have instant shade 
3) DOGS AND HOT CARS DO NOT MIX - If you’re going to the shops, even for an extremely quick trip -leave your dog AT HOME! It only takes SIX minutes for a dog to DIE in a hot car.
It is a very serious issue! Our officers have seen some very distressed owners, who have come back to their car to find their dog very sick, or dead.
PLEASE, please, please do not leave your dog in a car – even if it’s in the shade, with windows open..it really is a tragedy waiting to happen!!
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Cross-posted from the RSPCA of SA blog.
(disclaimer: they are a client of mine)
Currently listening to: Led Zeppelin – ‘Black Dog’ and ‘The Rover’
