FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fredericton, New Brunswick – Dog owners should never leave their animals unattended in a parked car on a warm day. As the summer season begins and temperatures rise, the New Brunswick SPCA seeks to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of heat on dogs.
Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly and can cause irreparable organ damage and even death. On a warm day, never leave your dog locked in a car as the temperature inside the car rises substantially within just a few minutes. “On hot days the safest place for your dog is at home, where there is more space, shelter, and water,” said Tony Porter, Chief Animal Protection Officer at the New Brunswick SPCA.
“If you see a distressed dog in a parked car, please call the New Brunswick SPCA hotline at 1−877−722−1522. However, if the dog is showing clear signs of heatstroke call the Police or RCMP as soon as possible” said Tony Porter, Chief Animal Protection Officer at New Brunswick SPCA.
During hot summer day, dogs can suffer heatstroke. Symptoms could be excessive panting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, abnormal gum colour, lethargy, and seizures.
To keep your dog cool, move the animal to a shaded area, put them on top of a cool wet towel, and pour cool water over the dog’s feet, ears, and head. Also, allow it to drink small amounts of cool water. More importantly, if your dog is still showing signs of distress take it immediately to a veterinarian for treatment.
If you suspect or witness animal cruelty or neglect, please call the New Brunswick SPCA 24⁄7 hotline at 1−877−722−1522. Thank you for doing your part to protect and give these defenceless animals a voice.
For more information on keeping your dog safe in the summer months or to learn more about the New Brunswick SPCA and its initiatives, please visit nbspca.ca.
Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only province-wide organization mandated to enforce animal protection laws. A dedicated team of 15 Animal Protection Officers is vested with the authority under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick to investigate and, if necessary, lay charges, seize animals, or recommend court orders to persons suspected of abuse and cruelty to animals.
The NBSPCA is a registered charity that exists to provide province-wide leadership in the humane treatment of animals. We enforce relevant legislation, ensure shelter for neglected or abused domesticated animals and agricultural animals, and provide public education and advocacy to empower New Brunswickers to help animals live long and healthy lives.
To learn more visit nbspca.ca.
Media Contact:
Mir Hyder
Marketing and Communications Manager
New Brunswick SPCA
Available for Interview:
Tony Porter
Chief Animal Protection Officer
New Brunswick SPCA