New UNSW-led research confirms man's best friend is at risk from human-induced climate change.
A group of scientists led by researchers from UNSW Sydney has revealed the alarming impact of heatwaves on pet dogs.
The study, published in The Australian Veterinary Journal , analyses 20 years of veterinary data from New South Wales, and finds that public holidays and Sundays carry the greatest risk for dogs.
"This is particularly important as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future," says UNSW study lead author Dr Joy Tripovich.
Increased risk
The researchers found that the risk of death in dogs shoots up by nearly 10% on extreme heat days (days above 32 degrees), with an increased risk of 1% for every degree over 25.
On public holidays, though, dog deaths skyrocket 155%, and Sundays see mortality risk nearly double compared with other days of the week - the reason for this is unclear but is not related to extreme temperatures.
The highest mortality rates were recorded on New Year's Day, followed by Christmas Day.
The researchers speculate that it could be because people are more likely to take their dogs out on those days, many of which occur at some of the hottest times of year.
They are also more likely to be engaged in physical activity with their dogs, with exertion exacerbating the impacts of high temperatures.
"Another factor is that people are more likely to be more adventurous with their dogs on weekends and public holidays and this can be associated with misadventure," says study co-author Dr Anne Quain, a veterinarian and senior lecturer at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.
Dog breeds at elevated risk of heat-related illnesses include Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
"These findings underscore the urgent need for pet owners, veterinarians, and public health officials to take proactive measures - such as keeping dogs in cool, shaded areas during hotter days," Dr Tripovich says.
"There also needs to be further research to unpack the reasons for these trends."
Keeping man's best friend safe
Australia is getting hotter, with eight of the nine warmest years on record occurring since 2013, and the top 10 all occurring since 2005.
On top of that, climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future.
High temperatures are the biggest driver of climate-related death, particularly among people with pre-existing conditions, and the same is true in dogs.
High temperatures can lead to heat stroke in both humans and dogs, and is associated with high mortality rates, and the researchers say dogs will continue to face greater risks as the climate warms.
While the current research focussed on dogs from NSW, it is expected that dogs residing in Australia and internationally will suffer similar impacts of extreme heat and risks to mortality, although there may be local climatic differences between places.
The researchers call for the findings to inform veterinary public health strategies and public awareness campaigns targeted at pet owners, especially during summer months, holidays, and extreme heat days.
Dogs rely entirely on us to keep them safe.
But there are things owners can do to mitigate risks.
Avoid exercising dogs on hot and very hot days, for example, and provide dogs access to cool indoor areas during the hotter parts of the day, or for those kept outside ensure they have access to all-day shade.
"Ensure dogs are kept in well-ventilated spaces where air can flow and work from home on hot days to ensure you can monitor your dog if possible," says Dr Quain.
Dr Quain says there are several steps you can take if you suspect your dog might be suffering from a heat-related illness.
"For young, healthy dogs, immersion of the body (not the head) in a shallow, cold-water bath is recommended," she says.
"For geriatric or unwell dogs, or those who become stressed with cold water immersion, spraying the skin and coat with water and exposing the dog with a cool air fan can aid heat loss.
"While previous advice has been to transport heat-stressed dogs to the clinic where cooling is then instituted, the current advice is to 'cool first, transport second'.
"This is because any delay in cooling worsens the outcome for the dog.
"On the other hand, cooling immediately gives a dog the best chance of survival. So cool first, transport second."
Dr Quain also says that weather bureaus can ensure people are warned in advance of hot days.
The researchers also say these findings highlight the need to reduce carbon emissions.
"The projections are that heatwaves will get more intense and more frequent," says Dr Tripovich.
"Unless we want to subject our dogs to greater and greater risks, we must get carbon emissions under control.
"Until then, we should take steps to keep our dogs safe on extreme heat days."
