Gozo SPCA has been notified of several recent cases of heat stroke among dogs waiting in hot cars for the ferry, both in Malta and Gozo. The Gozo SPCA said it appeals to the public travelling with animals between the islands to take the following precautions:
Try to make the ferry journey in the cool of the early morning or late evening, but definitely avoid the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
Provide companion animals with fresh cool water to drink; it is important it is neither chilled, nor hot from the sun. Whilst waiting, keep side windows open and use screens on the front and rear windows.
Owners should not walk their dogs on tarmac in the heat of the day – if they try walking on it with bare feet themselves they will understand how hot tarmac burns a dog’s feet.
Owners should carry a wet towel in a cool bag to wrap around their pet if it becomes distressed and starts panting.
Heatstroke can be a life-threatening condition and should be treated seriously.
If a dog or cat shows signs of heat stroke (excessive panting or breathing difficulties) the owner should seek veterinary advice at once; immediate action may save the pet’s life.
Dogs should not be left in the ferry garage during the crossing and should never be left unattended in a car at any time, but especially during summer.
3 Comments To "Gozo SPCA warns on dangers of pets in cars in summer"
#1 Comment By Gozoroo On June 29, 2011 @ 5:22 am
To all concerned,spare yourselves a momemt and read this article.
Thank you.
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#2 Comment By betty berry On June 29, 2011 @ 4:29 pm
Gozoroo has lost me here. Gozo SPCA is trying to give some positive and helpful advice to owners on the best care of their companion animals when travelling. What is the connection to a cruelty case in NZ?
#3 Comment By Gozoroo On June 29, 2011 @ 10:52 pm
The following might be also helpfull.
“Parked vehicles get hot very quickly. The statistics from various sources on how hot and how quickly are somewhat inconsistent: “at 23C outside, an SUV can heat up to 38C degrees in 10 minutes, to 49C in just 30 minutes;” “at 32C outside, the vehicle can heat up to 71C within just a few minutes;” “at 34C with a window down 1 inch, the temperature inside a car may reach 52C in just 20 minutes and approximately 60C in 40 minutes.” But quibbling about statistical inconsistencies is beside the point. Children, vulnerable adults and pets should never be left unattended in cars.”
Ms.Berry my point is that the penalty for animal cruelty in Malta should be also severe left in a car or otherwise.
Unfortunately I`m not familiar with local laws as I`m not a Maltese resident.
I commend you for your hard work in educating the general public.A media blitz should be of great assistance to your efforts.
An Annual pet registration fee would contribute to the costs.
Good luck.
Ex Gozitan.