Modern Medicine, Old-Fashioned Care

Jun 13, 2013 | Fast Facts

FAST FACTS: Leave Your Pet at Home and NEVER in a Locked Car!

SPREAD THE MESSAGE: Leaving a dog or cat in an unattended car is extremely dangerous and possibly deadly.

  • The inside of a car—with the windows cracked open—can reach over 100 degrees on a 75 degree day within 30 minutes. (Likewise, pets can freeze to death in a cold car.)
  • Even in the shade, on a 90 degree day the temperature inside a car can reach over 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes
  • Within 15 minutes, a pet can suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke
    Dogs regulate body temperature by panting and sweating through their paw pads—pets do not tolerate extreme heat the same as humans

SYMPTOMS OF HEATSTROKE

  • Heavy panting and lack of coordination
  • Excessive thirst, thick saliva, and dark tongue and lips
  • Restlessness or lethargy
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

HOW TO HANDLE A SITUATION

  • Take note of the license plate, model & make of the car
  • Call 911 or the local police department
  • Someone should remain at the scene until the situation is resolved
  • If possible, have local business(es) make announcement paging owner
  • If the animal looks to be in distress or owner/police response is slow: find a witness, break a window and remain at the scene until the authorities arrive.

Leaving your pet in a car is dangerous even if the A/C is on. A police dog in Texas died in 2003 when the A/C system in the police car malfunctioned blowing hot air instead of cool air.

**PROTECT YOUR PET BY LEAVING IT AT HOME, NOT IN THE CAR!**

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