DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz SCOTT, our poodle cross dog, loves to come in the car when we go to the shops. I realise it is dangerous to leave him in the car during the summer but I sometimes take him when I can find some shade to park under and leave the windows down. Is this reasonably safe?

Even when parked in the shade with the windows down the temperature inside your car can reach a dangerous level for a dog in less than 30 minutes. Overheating in a dog can lead to brain damage and death if not treated soon enough. A dog can only cool itself by panting and this is very inefficient. Either have someone stay with Scott when parked or you use an undercover car park but as you may not be able to guarantee finding one, it is better to leave Scott at home.

We are about to clean our deck with a common product that is sprayed on to kill off any lichens or mould. It claims to be safe for our two cats as long as they do not walk on the deck until it is completely dry. Should we use this product or water blast instead?

Although the products used to spray on decks are non-caustic and non-acidic the active ingredient can still be toxic to your cats. The most common problem occurs when cats walk over the sprayed surface before it is dry. They then lick the material off their paws causing burning to their mouth and tongue. This leaves ulcers especially on the tongue tip which develops a few hours after exposure. Cats are presented to veterinary clinics with severe drooling, lack of appetite and running a fever. Most do survive with treatment but take many days before they are able to eat. If you use the product ensure your cats are locked away or just hire a water blaster instead.