A joint team led by researchers from the University of New South Wales 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 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 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.
"These findings underscore the urgent need for pet owners, veterinarians, and public health officials to take proactive measures during hotter days," Dr Tripovich says.
"There 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 ten 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, 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 the negative 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," study Dr Tripovich says, and 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.
"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.
Key Facts:
- Dogs are at a 10% greater risk of dying if the temperature is above 32 degrees.
- The risk is greatest on public holidays (155%) and Sundays (nearly double).
- The authors say there are things dog owners and the authorities can do to keep dogs safe on those extreme heat days.
- This study examined NSW vet data, but the authors say they expect dogs around the country and internationally to face similar risks from extreme heat, although there may be local climatic differences.
- The researchers say these findings are particularly important as climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves into the future.
