Dogs locked themselves in cars whilst owners ran into shop to fetch a paper.

On Canberra’s ABC radio station this morning, callers shared their stories about their pet dogs jumping up on the driver’s door and accidentally pushing the central locking system. One caller left the car running whilst fetching the paper and had to get a lift home to collect his spare keys.

Fortunately, for these dogs, summer in Canberra has been very mild with temperatures in the mid to high twenties.

With cooler temperatures this weekend, record crowds are expected at the ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show. No horses will compete this year due to ongoing Equine Flu regulations even though the ACT is now declared a "White" horse flu free zone.

Dogs are competing at the show. TV Vet Dr Harry Cooper will be answering your questions about pets and pet care outside the ActewAGL Farmyard Nursery. Dog owners still need to be aware of the dangers of leaving their pets in hot cars.

According to RSPCA Australia, "Heat stress or heat stroke occurs when animals are confined in hot environments. Motor vehicles prove a real danger for animals locked in the sun where the temperature can rise to lethal levels very quickly.

"All animals are affected by heat stress, however dogs with short noses such as the Bull Dog, Pekingese, Pug, and Boxer are particularly at risk.

When suffering from heat stroke, a dog will initially show an increase in activity associated with panting and vocalisation - usually barking or whining. The dog will become agitated, often with a worried or furrowed expression.

"As heat stroke progresses, the panting becomes excessive and laboured with the dog showing an inability to breathe properly.

The dog usually drools excessively and may vomit. If the suffering continues, the dog will suffer circulatory collapse, its gums will appear blue and it will convulse or become unconscious."

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