July 17, 2019
Each year, thousands of beloved companions succumb to heatstroke and suffocation when left in parked cars. It happens most often when people make quick stops—the dry cleaners, the bank or the local market. Please be advised that it takes only minutes for your pet to face death—and it doesn’t have to be that hot out. On an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 102 degrees, even with the windows cracked. Within 30 minutes, a car's interior can reach 120 degrees. When the temperature outside is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of your car may be as much as 20 degrees hotter.
Shade offers little protection on a hot day and moves with the sun. ALL pets are at risk, but at the most risk for hyperthermia (overheating) are young animals, elderly animals, overweight animals, those with short muzzles and those with thick or dark-colored coats.
You can help save pets from dying in hot cars. Simply take the following actions:
• Educate people.
• If you see something, say something. If you see a dog alone in a vehicle, immediately call animal control or 911. Local law officials have the ability to enter a vehicle and rescue the pet. Do not leave until help has arrived.
• And please, no matter how much your dog loves to go along when you run errands, don't take a chance. Leave your pet home where he/she is safe.
If your dog is overcome by the heat, bring down the body temperature by soaking him/her in cool (not ice) water. Make sure the water does not get into the mouth or nose of an unconscious animal. Seek immediate veterinary care.
Overheating kills! Don't put your pets in danger.
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