Hot summer days can literally be a killer for a dog left in a car. Unfortunately, many pet owners are not aware of how deadly this can be and their dogs suffer and die from this horrible death every year. On an 80-degree day, the temperature in a car can reach a staggering 120 degrees. On hotter days, it can raise above 170 degrees. At these temperatures a dog will actually cook within the confinement of the vehicle.

 

Even leaving your dog for one minute may be too long. A dog's normal temperature is from 101 to 102 degrees. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of 105 degrees for only a very short period of time before brain damage and then death! 

 

If you see a dog in a car that is in distress:

• Take down the car's model, make, color, and license number.
• Call animal regulations immediately.
• Have the owner paged inside nearby stores.

 

Heat stroke symptoms include:

• Heavy panting, drooling, rapid breathing, weakness, and glassy eyes.
•  Barking and whining.
• When breathing suddenly becomes quiet, the animal will collapse.

 

Treatment of a heat-stricken animal must be immediate! Bring the dog inside or to a shady spot, slowly cool the dog by placing it in cool, NOT cold water. You want to reduce the body heat gradually. Apply icepacks to the head and neck. Take the animal to the nearest veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.

 

Precaution is the key to preventing heatstroke.

Here are some helpful tips.

 

• Keep your dog indoors. Do you want to sit in the backyard all day in the hot weather or would you rather be inside a cool air-conditioned house with your family? If you must keep your dog outdoors during the day, provide plenty of cool water, shade and even a small kiddies pool.
•  Trim longhaired dogs fur, but leave a few inches for protection against sunburn.
• Don't transport your dog in the back of a pick-up truck, not only is this a danger if you need to break suddenly or swerve to avoid a collision which can throw a dog off balance causing serious injury, but burns to their feet can occur from the hot metal.

 

When going for a walk:

·      Take lots of water.

·       Don't walk on pavement that can burn your dog's feet.

·       Choose shady, grassy or dirt paths.

·       Avoid the hottest time of the day; take walks in the early morning or evenings.

·       Limit your walk time according to the outside temperature and health of your dog.

 

 

I always walk my dogs along trails near creeks, rivers, and lakes. This makes it possible for them to take a dip and drink some water at their convenience. Keeping their body core temperature down is the key to having a comfortable dog. Take caution with your older dog, water that is too cold can be harmful to their joints. Don't let them swim excessively, instead wet their heads with cool water and provide plenty of drinking water.

 

 

• Remember your dog is wearing a fur coat that they cannot take off, nor do they have sweat glands to cool their body. Most important, your dog CANNOT roll down the window or open the door of a car to save their life.

 

Every summer tragedies that occur CAN BE prevented. If we all use a bit of common sense, our beloved companions wouldn't have to suffer the consequences of our neglect.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY KAREN HART

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