Did you know that one of the most preventable causes of pet death is heatstroke? This is often the result from pets being left in cars for "just a few minutes."
It's cooler outside, but did you know that one of the most preventable causes of pet death is heatstroke? This is often the result from pets being left in cars for "just a few minutes." According to United Animal Nations (UAN) President Nicole Forsyth, "people mean well by taking their pets along, but even mild temperatures can turn a car into a death trap."
UAN operates an educational website, MyDogIsCool.com, to raise awareness of this danger. The site offers useful resources, including:
“It’s Hot” fliers to place on windshields.
A weather forecasting tool to check if it’s too hot to take your pet along.
Free “Hot Weather Warning” posters for businesses.
The Science of Car Heat
Studies from San Francisco State University, Louisiana Medical Society, Stanford University, and the Animal Protection Institute confirm that even with windows open or a car parked in the shade, temperatures can rise dangerously fast. At just 72°F outside, the temperature inside a car can increase by 19°F in 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise by 29°F. After 15 minutes, the car can become deadly for your pet.
The sun’s shortwave radiation passes through the car’s windows, heating solid surfaces like the dashboard and seats. These objects then heat the air inside the car, causing the temperature to rise quickly.
Why Air Conditioning Isn't a Solution
Leaving the air conditioner running while your pet waits isn’t a safe solution either. Air conditioners can malfunction, and pets may accidentally turn off the car in their excitement, leaving them in a dangerously hot environment.
Signs of Heatstroke in Pets
Heatstroke starts when a pet’s body temperature exceeds 104°F. Common signs include:
Lethargy
Heavy breathing and panting
Bright red gums and tongue
Vomiting and diarrhea
Heatstroke can lead to shock, respiratory distress, kidney failure, and heart issues. When a pet’s body temperature reaches 106°F, damage can become irreversible, often resulting in death.
What to Do If Heatstroke Occurs
Remove the pet from the hot environment immediately.
Turn on the A/C, if possible, to cool the pet.
Wet the pet with cool (not cold) water to gradually lower body temperature.
Contact a veterinarian for further instructions and transport the pet as soon as possible.
Note: Avoid using ice-cold water, as it can shock the system and prevent proper cooling.
What to Do If You See a Pet in Danger
If you see a pet in a vehicle showing signs of heatstroke, take action:
Call local animal control, police, or 911.
Alert nearby businesses to make an announcement.
Every year, animal control officers share the same tragic stories of pets dying in hot cars. Please, if you have to leave your pet in the car, leave them at home instead.
Special thanks to Mary Oquando for her contribution to this important information.
— Lisa Rojas
Comments