Hot Dogs

Photo by: Michelle Strachan

Now that the weather is getting warmer, everyone is wanting to get outside, soak up the sun, and "play." Our canine friends are no exception.

These days, with people and places becoming more animal friendly, it's a lot easier to bring your dog along while you run your daily errands. But for many, it's become a habit to leave their pets in the car when running in to pay a bill, picking up a couple of things at the market, or even attending class here at LB.

While sunny days are perfect for joy-rides and trips to the park, trips that involve leaving your dog in the car, even for a short time, are just not worth the risk. It's a practice that has proven to be fatal.

"Every year, countless dogs die after being locked in cars while their owners work, visit, shop, or run other errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable." www.mydogiscool.com

You may think it's okay to leave your dog in the car for a short time because you've cracked the windows and parked in the shade, but in reality, even on cooler days, temperatures can reach dangerous levels, putting your dog at risk for heatstroke or even death.

"It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to heatstroke and suffocation. Most people don't realize how hot it can get in a parked car on a balmy day. However, on a 78 degree day, temperatures in a car parked in the shade can exceed 90 degrees and hit a scorching 160 degrees if parked in the sun," according to www.paw-rescue.org

"Animals are not able to sweat like humans do. Dogs cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paws. If they have only overheated air to breathe, animals can collapse, suffer brain damage and possibly die of heatstroke. Just 15 minutes can be enough for an animal's body temperature to climb from a normal 102.5 to deadly levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk of permanent impairment or death."

On days that you're able to safely take your pet for a car ride, don't forget to bring a bowl and plenty of fresh drinking water. And on warm days when you have a few stops to make, remember: Leaving your dog at home could save its life.


SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION INCLUDE:
Restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.

If you are concerned your pet is suffering from one or more of these symptoms, immediately get your dog or other pet to a cool, shaded area (an air conditioned area if possible), or to the vet if you feel the symptoms might be better handled by someone with more expertise than yourself.


TO LOWER BODY TEMPERATURE GRADUALLY:
Give the animal water to drink, place a cold towel or ice pack on the head, neck and chest, and/or immerse the dog in cool (not cold) water. Call your veterinarian.


WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A DOG LEFT IN A CAR:
If you feel a dog's life is in danger, do something! It doesn't have a voice, but you do.

Take down the car make, model, color, and license # of the car. Go to the nearest stores and ask the managers to page the owner.

Call the police. They can usually respond much quicker than animal control departments. They also have the capability to enter the vehicle and rescue the pet.

Spread the word!

www.mydogiscool.com has several fliers and posters available to print and keep in the car.
RedRover's fliers and posters can save animals' lives by reminding people that it is dangerous and deadly to leave a dog in a hot car — even for "just a minute."