With the final arrival of summer temperatures it is easy to forget that this heat can be deadly for our four legged friends. Even slipping into the store for a few minutes can prove fatal for your pet if left in the car. Temperatures over 150 degrees F. can be reached in minutes inside a car in direct sunshine.
The RCMP offer the following tips to help prevent your animal from suffering during these sweltering 'dog days' of summer.
Every year horrifying reports are received of pets dying in vehicles or outside in yards during sweltering conditions. In many cases, police officers are called by concerned citizens and are tragically forced to watch as the animal suffers then dies. The following life saving strategies can prevent you from having to deal with the loss of your beloved family pet:
• Keep dogs inside. Dogs sweat though their footpads and cool themselves by panting, soaring temperatures can cause heat stress and be physically damaging to them
• Water and shade. If animals must be left outside, ensure there is sufficient water and shade ,even short periods of direct exposure to the sun can be damaging
• Walk don’t run. In very hot humid weather, never exercise your dog by cycling while they try to keep up with you, dogs will collapse before giving up
• Avoid parked cars. On a 78 degree day the temperature of a shaded car can reach 90 degrees F. A car left in the direct sun can reach temperatures of 160 degrees F in just a few minutes. A dog left in those conditions will quickly succumb to heatstroke and suffer brain damage
If you see any animal in distress or in a life threatening situation ,attempt to give them water.If it is not life threatening but the animal needs attention, call your local animal shelter. If it is deemed to be life threatening call the police immediately.
If you see any animal in distress or in a life threatening situation ,attempt to give them water.If it is not life threatening but the animal needs attention, call your local animal shelter. If it is deemed to be life threatening call the police immediately.
Thank you so much for writing about the dangers of keeping dogs in hot cars! Every year around the country, dogs die after being locked inside cars while their owners shop or run other errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable.
ReplyDeleteUnited Animal Nations (UAN) operates the My Dog is Cool Campaign to let people know that leaving a dog in a car for even “just a few minutes” may be too long. People who want to learn more about this issue, and educate others, can find downloadable fliers and brochures on our Web site: www.MyDogIsCool.com