AN incident at the Gold Coast on Sunday when a small dog was saved from a hot vehicle by Queensland police officers is a friendly reminder heading into summer for pet owners to be mindful of scorching temperatures – especially in regions like Moree, where temperatures are expected to soar in the coming weeks.

The RSPCA warns it only takes six minutes for a dog to overheat in a hot car.

Cars can climb to 73 degrees Celsius on a hot summer’s day and pets can still overheat when the windows are down or the car is parked in a shaded area.

Utility vehicle trays can also burn pets’ footpads or bodies.

“Dogs don’t sweat,” the RSPCA said.

“Instead, they cool themselves down through panting, laying on cool surfaces and drinking cool water.

“With the combination of extremely hot and humid weather and cars that are made from metal and glass, dogs left in hot cars are put in a life threatening situation.

“Panting is not a sufficient cooling method in extreme weather conditions and there are no cool surfaces for them to cool off.”

Duppy the sausage dog was saved from a hot vehicle by Queensland police offers at Coolangatta on Sunday.

Gold Coast police are investigating after a dog was rescued from a hot vehicle at Coolangatta.

Police were called just after 2.30pm by a concerned member of the public, who observed the miniature Daschund distressed in the back of a Volkswagen Jetta for at least an hour on Marine Parade, with the windows only slightly ajar.

Coolangatta Police attended and observed the vehicle parked in the sun with temperatures outside exceeding 27-degrees with high humidity, and Duppy the sausage dog in the back seat with no water.

Police were able to reach through the small gap in the window to manoeuvre Duppy out of the vehicle to safety.

An uncapped syringe was also observed in the vehicle.

While police were attending to Duppy and providing him water, the alleged driver of the vehicle returned and was taken into custody.

The 38-year-old Tweed Heads man, who was looking after Duppy for his owner, was charged with fail to take reasonable care and precautions in respect of syringe or needle.

He is expected to appear at Coolangatta Magistrates Court on 20 January 2025.

Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.

Duppy was cared for by Coolangatta police and returned safely to his owner.

Police are reminding motorists that in hot weather, the inside of a car can quickly double the external temperature, and cause significant health implications for any person or animal inside the vehicle.

Information on what to do if you observe a pet in a hot vehicle is available at:

https://www.rspca.org.au/latest-news/blog/keeping-your-pet-safe-during-heat/