24/05/2026
Important Information from the Animal Ambulance and Rescue Team
Please take a moment to read the following crucial information from the Animal Ambulance and Rescue Team.
This weekend alone, we attended three separate incidents involving dogs being left inside vehicles while their owners were shopping.
It is deeply concerning that we must continue to remind the public dogs should never be left inside vehicles, even for a short period of time. Temperatures within cars can rise extremely rapidly and may become fatal within minutes.
All three incidents formed part of our Authority Assist service and, fortunately, only one dog required treatment from a veterinary practice. Regrettably, the outcome could have been far more serious.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the vigilant members of the public who contacted the police. Without your prompt actions, these dogs could have suffered significant distress.
🐶 HOT WEATHER ADVICE FOR DOG OWNERS 🐶
✅ DO:
• Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler
• Ensure dogs have constant access to fresh drinking water
• Provide shade and cool resting areas
• Use cooling mats, paddling pools, or damp towels to help keep dogs cool
• Check pavement temperatures before walks if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for paws
• Monitor for signs of heatstroke, including excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, collapse, or confusion
❌ DON’T:
• Leave dogs in vehicles at any time during warm weather
• Exercise dogs during the hottest parts of the day
• Force a dog to drink or pour ice cold water directly over them
• Cover the dog completely with wet towels, as this can trap heat
⚠️ IF YOU SUSPECT HEATSTROKE:
• Move the dog to a cool, shaded area immediately
• Offer small amounts of cool (not ice cold) water
• Pour cool water over the paws, belly, and body
• Use fans or airflow if possible
• Contact a veterinary professional urgently, even if the dog appears to recover
Please continue to remain vigilant for animals during the warmer weather and report any concerns immediately. Your actions genuinely help to save lives.
