The RSPCA WA division has called on citizens to help maintain dog safety in summer.
Covering the South West corner, RSPCA WA Inspector Donna Pead said she received numerous calls relating to dogs in hot cars and in utes over the past few months.
“We keep trying to warn people about the dangers of leaving dogs in cars on hot days, but the message doesn’t seem to be getting through and some people seem determined to ignore the warnings and put their dogs at risk,” she said.
“The same goes for dogs on the back of utes in hot weather – I see that a lot, and people don’t seem to realise how painful that is for their dog, and how quickly and severely their paws can get burnt.
“It’s frustrating because it’s unnecessary, dogs are much safer left at home.”
She advised owners to take ground temperatures into consideration when walking their dogs, particularly on footpaths.
“During the summer months, it’s better to walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening,” she said.
“Put your hand to the ground and if it feels too hot on your hand then it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.”