With temperatures set to soar across much of the state in the coming days, RSPCA WA is urging pet owners to take extra care to protect their animals from dangerous – and potentially fatal – heat stress.
Perth is forecast to reach 38 degrees on Monday, while parts of the Kimberley, Pilbara and Goldfields are expected to hit the mid to high 30s. Temperatures in the Wheatbelt and Mid West may climb as high as 40 degrees, creating extreme conditions for pets across WA.
RSPCA WA spokesperson Louise Rowe said the organisation was preparing for a spike in heat-related cruelty reports and urged owners to act now.
"Every summer we see preventable cases of heat stress, heatstroke and sometimes tragic deaths," Ms Rowe said. "These temperatures aren't just uncomfortable for animals – they can be deadly. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet."
Each summer, RSPCA WA's Cruelty Hotline receives numerous calls about pets suffering in the heat.
Common issues include dogs left in cars, dogs walked in the heat of the day, animals without water, animals without shade, and dogs tethered where they cannot reach shelter or water.
Last year, RSPCA WA received 512 reports of dogs left in hot cars, compared with 405 the previous year – an increase of more than 26 per cent.
Ms Rowe said the rise may reflect stronger community awareness and reduced tolerance for unsafe behaviours, but it also shows more education is needed.
"Every one of those calls represents a dog at risk," she said. "And when you look at community Facebook groups on hot days, you see people constantly begging others not to walk their dogs in extreme heat. The message still isn't getting through."
Ms Rowe said the most important thing owners can do during heatwaves is bring their pets indoors and give them access to cool areas such as air-conditioning, a fan, or laundry tiles. All animals – from dogs and cats to horses, rabbits and birds – must have adequate shade and continuous access to fresh, cool water, ideally from more than one source.
"There are lots of easy ways to help pets stay cool," she said. "Dogs love big frozen ice blocks with treats, small animals enjoy frozen water bottles to lie against, and many horses, chooks and other birds will stand under a sprinkler. A shallow kiddie pool can be a lifesaver for dogs."
Walks should be restricted to early morning or late evening, and Ms Rowe urged owners to use the five-second rule.
"If you can't hold your hand on the pavement or beach sand for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paws," she said.
RSPCA WA also reiterated that dogs should never be left in parked cars.
"Even in mild weather the temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes. In extreme heat, a dog can die in as little as six minutes," Ms Rowe said. "If you love your dog, leave them at home when it's hot."
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car:
- Look for signs of heatstroke such as heavy panting, drooling, agitation, pacing or vomiting/diarrhoea.
- Record the vehicle's details and location and report it immediately to RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 358 (1300 CRUELTY) or WA Police on 131 444.
- If you're at a shopping centre, ask management to page the owner.
- Monitor the dog from a safe distance so you don't worsen its distress.
- Gather evidence such as photos, vehicle details, and the time and date.
Ms Rowe said the message for the coming heatwave was simple: "Plan ahead, take heat seriously, and protect the animals who rely on you."
