dontbakeyourmate.com

Did you know a dog can die in as little as six minutes?

Did you know that temperatures inside a car can reach life-threatening levels for dogs very quickly?

Did you know hundreds of dogs suffer heat-related injury or death each year?

On a warm day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise rapidly — even with windows cracked or parked in the shade — and dogs can suffer fatal heatstroke in less than six minutes due to ineffective cooling mechanisms like panting.

rspcatas.org.au

Did you know hundreds of dogs suffer heat-related injury or death each year?

Did you know that temperatures inside a car can reach life-threatening levels for dogs very quickly?

Did you know hundreds of dogs suffer heat-related injury or death each year?

In 2024, at least 111 companion animals reportedly died from heat-related causes, and 388 were rescued from dangerous conditions — and these numbers likely understate the full scale of the problem.

PETA

Did you know that temperatures inside a car can reach life-threatening levels for dogs very quickly?

When it’s only around 20–23 °C outside, the inside of a car can exceed 39–43 °C within an hour, far above a dog’s normal body temperature (~38–39 °C), leading to heatstroke, organ failure, and death if exposure continues.

four-paws.org.au

HOW TO RESPOND?

What should you do if you see a dog locked in a hot car?

Act immediately – don’t wait.
If the dog is panting heavily, drooling, lethargic, vomiting, or unresponsive, it is a medical emergency.
Call for help straight away.
Contact:
- 000 if the dog appears in immediate danger
- Or your local police station

You can also contact the RSPCA

QLD: 1300 264 625 / NSW: 1300 278 358 / VIC: (03) 9224 2222 / ACT: (02) 6287 8100 /

NT: 1300 720 386 / TAS: 1300 139 947 / SA: 1300 477 722 / WA: 1300 278 358

Try to locate the owner quickly.
Ask nearby shops to make an announcement or check surrounding areas.
Provide shade and ventilation if safe to do so.
If possible, move the car to shade or create airflow while help is on the way.
Do not leave the dog alone again.
Stay with the animal until authorities or the owner arrives.
Know the law protects action taken in good faith.
With the new legislation recognising the seriousness of this issue, taking reasonable steps to prevent harm aligns with animal welfare responsibilities.
If the dog is rescued:
- Offer small amounts of cool (not icy) water
- Wet the dog’s paws and body
- Keep them calm and still until veterinary help arrives