Overheated dog sparks warning

Taumarunui SPCA workers were forced to open a car door and release a dehydrated dog last week.

The problem has forced the SPCA officers to release a stern warning about leaving animals in cars during the day.

Dog owners are being reminded not to leave their dogs in hot cars after trouble last week. (...)

"It only takes around 15 minutes or so for a dog to die or become so seriously ill it can't recover."(...)

Officials say a closed car, even with the windows slightly open, interferes with the dog's normal cooling process - evaporation through panting.

Mrs Ward says if your dog is overcome by heat exhaustion, you can give immediate first aid by immersing them in cold water until the body temperature is lowered.