Pet in the Hot Dog Car
Even on a moderately warm day, the temperature inside your parked car can be 40 degrees hotter than outside. In Oregon, it is illegal to leave an animal unattended in an unattended motor vehicle. In this article, learn what you should do if you see an animal left in a hot car and how you can help enact the law.
A Car Isn’t a Home
We all love our furry friends, and they become a part of the family very quickly. However, it’s important to remember that a car is not a home for a pet. Unfortunately, every year there are stories in the news about pets being left in hot cars and suffering from heatstroke or even dying?
While it may seem like a good idea to leave your pet in the car for a short period of time while you run into the store, it’s really not worth the risk. It only takes a few minutes for a car to heat up to dangerous temperatures, even on a cool day. And, dogs and cats can’t sweat like we do to cool off, so they can quickly overheat.
If you must take your pet with you when you leave the house, make sure to never leave them alone in the car. If possible, bring them inside with you or leave them at home where they’ll be safe and comfortable.
The Dangers of Leaving Pets in Cars
Leaving your pet in the car on a hot day can be dangerous and even deadly. Pets can suffer from heatstroke in just a few minutes, and the consequences can be severe. Heatstroke can cause organ damage, brain damage, and even death.
If you must leave your pet in the car, make sure to crack the windows and provide plenty of ventilation. Park in the shade if possible and never leave your pet alone in the car for more than a few minutes. If you see a pet in a hot car, take action immediately and call animal control or the police.
Signs That You’re Pet Is Uncomfortable
If your pet is panting heavily, has drooling saliva, is restless, or seems generally uncomfortable, these are all signs that they may be too hot. Never leave your pet in the car on a hot day, even for a short period of time. If you must take them with you, make sure to provide plenty of water and shade.
Be Aware of the Danger Zones
As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that come with leaving your pet in the car. While it may seem like a harmless way to keep them cool and comfortable, the reality is that cars can quickly become hot enough to cause serious health problems for your furry friend.
On a warm day, the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels very quickly. Even if you crack the windows or leave the air conditioning on, it’s not enough to keep your pet safe. In fact, according to the Humane Society of the United States, “a car parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures of 130 degrees or more within minutes, even if it doesn’t feel that warm outside.”
This can obviously lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal. But even if your pet doesn’t suffer from heat stroke, being left in a hot car can still be very dangerous. According to the ASPCA, “pets can sustain brain damage or die from heat stroke in just 15 minutes.” So it’s important to never leave your pet in the car, even for a short time.
Different Types of Dogs
There are different types of dogs, each with their own set of needs and preferences. While some may be okay with being left in a hot car for a short period of time, others may not be able to handle the heat. It’s important to know your dog’s breed and personality type before making the decision to leave them in the car.
Here are a few popular dog breeds:
Labradors:
Labradors are known for their friendly and easygoing personalities. They’re also one of the most versatile breeds, as they can be trained for a variety of tasks. While they can handle being in a hot car for a short period of time, they will need access to water and shade if they’re to be in sunlight for a long time.
German Shepherds:
German Shepherds are loyal and protective dogs that make great family pets. They’re also working dogs that excel at tasks such as herding and security work. German Shepherds can handle being in a hot car better than most breeds, but they will still need access to water and shade if to be in sunlight for a long time.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Cool
- Never leave your dog in the car, even for a short period of time. The temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, even on a mild day.
- If you must take your dog with you in the car, make sure there is plenty of ventilation and never leave them unattended.
- On hot days, keep walks shorter and avoid pavement or asphalt that can get very hot and burn your dog’s paws. Stick to grassy areas or shady spots as much as possible.
- Give your dog plenty of water to drink throughout the day and always have fresh water available when you’re out and about.
- Never leave your dog in a kennel or yard without shade or shelter from the sun – provide an umbrella or tarp if necessary.
- Check your dog for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness or collapse. If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, get them to a cool place immediately and contact a veterinarian right away.