As summer heats up vets are urging people to take extra care when travelling with their pets.
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Agriculture Victoria's district Veterinary Officer Dr Jeff Cave said farmers were encouraged to take the extra care needed with working dogs on hot days.
"While it is legal to allow appropriately restrained dogs to travel on the back of utes, dogs being left in the sun for long periods can quickly dehydrate or even die from heat stress," he said.
"A lot of utes and tray backs these days are made of metal and will heat up quickly and could easily burn dogs' paws."
Dr Cave said shelter from the heat, fresh air and access to cool water were the best ways to protect our furry friends from the summer heat
New regulations introduced for Victoria in December 2019, require when the temperature is 28 degrees or above an area of insulating material be placed on the metal tray to protect the dog from the hot surface.
It is also an offence to leave an animal unattended inside a motor vehicle when the outside temperature is 28 degrees or above.
There are no such regulations in NSW.
For further advice please contact the RSPCA or your local veterinarian.
