NBSPCA Launches “Minutes Matter” Summer Campaign to Prevent Heat-Related Pet Deaths

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

 

June 17, 2025 

 

Fredericton, N.B. – As summer temperatures arrive, the New Brunswick SPCA (NBSPCA) is launching an urgent awareness campaign about the deadly consequences of heat exposure for dogs, whether in parked vehicles or during outdoor activities. 

 

“Six minutes is all it takes for a dog to begin suffering the effects of heatstroke in a parked car on a warm day,” said Tony Porter, NBSPCA Chief Animal Protection Officer. ​“Even with windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, creating a death trap for pets left behind.” 

 

Unlike humans, dogs can only cool themselves by panting and through limited sweating from their paw pads. In an enclosed space without adequate ventilation or during strenuous exercise in hot weather, they quickly become unable to regulate their body temperature, leading to rapid organ failure, brain damage and death. 

 

The NBSPCA’s new ​“Minutes Matter” campaign highlights how quickly tragedy can occur: 

  • At 21°C outside, a car interior reaches 32°C in just 10 minutes. 
  • At 27°C outside, a car interior can reach 46°C in 30 minutes. 
  • Even parking in the shade or cracking windows provides minimal protection. 

 

“We’re seeing too many preventable tragedies each summer,” said Porter. ​“The safest place for your pet during warm weather is at home with proper shelter, ventilation and access to fresh water.” 

 

Exercise Caution with Exercise

 

The NBSPCA is also warning pet owners about the dangers of excessive exercise during hot weather. Dogs can quickly overheat when forced to run or walk long distances in high temperatures, especially breeds with thick coats or short snouts. 

 

In a recent case that highlights these dangers, a New Brunswick man pleaded guilty to a Criminal Code of Canada charge of failure to provide care after travelling 15.5 km by bicycle with two dogs attached to leashes behind him. One of the dogs suffered extreme heat exhaustion and had to be euthanized. The man was sentenced to a prohibition order from owning any animals other than the one dog he currently owns, a six-month conditional sentence with house arrest for two months, followed by a curfew for the remaining four months. He was also placed on a 15-month probation period in which animal protection officers can make a specified number of unannounced visits to check on the dog he is permitted to own. 

 

“This heartbreaking case demonstrates how quickly heat exhaustion can become fatal for dogs forced to exert themselves in warm weather,” Porter explained. ​“Even seemingly healthy dogs can suffer heat-related injuries or death when exercised too vigorously on hot days.” 

 

The NBSPCA recommends the following: 

  • Exercise pets during cooler morning or evening hours. 

  • Keep walks shorter during hot weather. 

  • Always bring water for your pet. 

  • Take frequent breaks in shaded areas. 

  • Be aware that hot pavement can burn paw pads. 

 

Hot Car Prevention

 

Porter emphasized that leaving a dog in a hot car is an offence under the SPCA Act of New Brunswick, with potential penalties including fines up to $10,000 and prohibition from owning animals. NBSPCA officers will be conducting increased patrols of parking lots throughout the province this summer. 

 

What to do if you see a dog in distress: 

  • Note the vehicle’s make, model, colour and licence plate. 

  • If in a business parking lot, ask management to make an announcement. 

  • Call the NBSPCA hotline at 1−877−722−1522. 4. If the animal is in severe distress (excessive panting, drooling or loss of consciousness), call local police or RCMP for immediate response. 

 

Signs of heatstroke in dogs include: 

  • Excessive panting and drooling 

  • Bright red or purple gums 

  • Vomiting or diarrhea 

  • Disorientation or collapse 

  • Seizures 

 

If your dog shows signs of overheating, move them to a cool area immediately, wet their paws and ears with cool (not ice-cold) water, offer small amounts of water to drink and seek immediate veterinary care. 

 

For more information on summer pet safety or to report animal cruelty, contact the NBSPCA 24⁄7 hotline at 1−877−722−1522 or visit nbsp​ca​.ca.

 

About New Brunswick SPCA

Founded in 1881, New Brunswick SPCA (NBSCPA) is the only provincewide 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 provincewide 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. 

 

Media Contact: Lesley Rogers, lesleyr@​nbspca.​ca, 506−458−8208