Every day all over the world their are pet owners that land in a situation that requires them to leave their pet safely in the car. We love our pets and want to take them everywhere with us just like family. Sometimes you have to run errands and like to bring along your furry kids. But they are not allowed inside the business or like me, maybe you have to check in at the vet first then go back out and get our dog. When this happens I bring along a family member so they can sit in the car with our dog with the air on until I come back out to get them.
Whatever the situation keep in mind temperatures climb during the hot summer months. So when we leave our furry kids behind in the car it can quickly become a deadly situation for them just like us. The inside temperature of a car can soar in minutes and can even reach as much as a 120 degrees and higher even in the middle of the afternoon.
The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30º F…and the longer you wait, the higher it goes. At 60 minutes, the temperature in your vehicle can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside your vehicle! ~ Source avma.org
Many states now have laws that prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle. You can find out if you state is one of them. These laws protect animals left in parked vehicles.
Keeping Your Dog Cool in The Car
Number one thing along with what laws say is that you should never, absolutely never leave pets and children alone in parked cars especially in the heat. If you must bring your dog along with you, always make sure they are not left in the car and you take them out every time you get out, even if it’s just a few minutes. Those few minutes could mean life or death for your dog. If you know you are going somewhere animals are not aloud it’s bed to leave your pets at home. Cracking a window for your dog really does nothing to eliminate the risk of them getting harmed or worse. It’s not safe at all and your dog should never be left alone in a parked car.
Choose a Light Colored Vehicle
Choosing a light colored vehicle can help keep the inside temperatures cooler. Because the darker your vehicles interior and exterior, the warmer it will get. I highly recommend you stop by Sunset Kia of Auburn to check out some of their new Kia’s if your in the market for a newer better vehicle.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Make sure your dog has plenty of water at all times.
Cover the Upholstery
Cover the upholstery inside the car when your not in it to shade it from the sun. Especially when the sun is out. You can use large beach towels to do this. This helps to keep the seats cooler. Sunshades can also help to keep the inside temperature of the vehicle cooler. However always check them with your hand before your dog gets in to sit down so they don’t get burned or feel too very uncomfortable. Remember if it’s too hot for you it’s too hot for your dog. Be sure to run the sir to cool things down before getting in with your pet.
Cooling Pad for Dogs
Get a cooling pad to lay on the back seat. Cooling pads for dogs help to keep your dog cool when it’s hot outside. You can easily find them on Amazon. These pads are easy to use and most just require taking them out of the box and laying it down for your pet.
Heatstroke Signs in Dogs
If your are worried your dog may be having a heat stroke here are some signs to look for:
- heavy panting
- profuse salivation
- rapid pulse
- very red gums/tongue
- lethargy
- difficulty breathing
- disorientation
- stumbling or poor coordination
- diarrhea or vomiting
- collapse or loss of consciousness,
- seizure
- respiratory arrest
For more information on heatstroke signs in dogs visit PetMD.
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