District veterinary officer Jeff Cave said working dogs were a valuable asset to farmers, but it was crucial to take extra care to avoid heat stress on hot days if dogs were travelling on the back of a ute.
“While it is legal to allow appropriately restrained dogs to travel on the back of utes, dogs being left in the sun for long periods can quickly dehydrate or even die from heat stress,” Mr Cave said.“Adequate shelter, for example a fixed canopy, needs to be provided to protect tethered dogs from extreme temperatures.
“A lot of utes and tray backs these days are made of metal and will heat up quickly and could easily burn dogs’ paws.”
New regulations introduced in Victoria last year advise when a temperature is 28 degrees C or above, an insulating material must be placed on a car's metal tray to protect dogs from scorching surfaces.
But despite recent laws, one Nagambie resident - who wished to remain anonymous - was shocked to witness a dog left alone in an IGA carpark on a sweltering January day - with the windows rolled up.
It is an offence to leave animals unattended inside cars when the outside temperature is 28 degrees C or above.
In a searing start to the year, Shepparton has six days over 28 degrees C forecast between January 11 and January 17.
“With temperatures in the high 30s, please don't leave your dogs in your cars with windows up,” the resident urged.
After notifying the supermarket, an announcement was made over the speaker to the dog's owner.
But the resident was horrified the animal had suffered for over 10 minutes in the hot car.
“You wouldn't leave your child in there, so why a dog,” she asked.
“I just don't understand people's thinking.”
At 32 degrees and above, heat stroke is a major risk to dogs regardless of their age, size and breed.
But even between 20-23 degrees C, dogs are at risk of overheating if exercised too rigorously, or suffering from an underlying condition.
Guidelines advise dogs kept in cages in hot weather should have proper ventilation - especially in unmoving cars - and must be regularly refreshed with cool water.
Victoria’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act also requires dogs travelling in the back of utes, trailers or open tray trucks to be tethered or caged to prevent them from falling out of cars - unless the dogs are actively working with livestock.
The tether should only be long enough to allow the dog to stand, lie down and move about - not so long that it could potentially drag the dog off the car or strangle it - and should always be a temporary means of restraint.
For more information, visit the RSPCA website or speak with your local veterinarian.
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