10 Minutes to Disaster -- Leaving Pets in Parked Cars

With the summer months upon us, we are at the height of pet travel.  With most pets traveling by car, it's time for a reminder about the dangers of leaving your pet in a parked car.  The temperature inside a car can skyrocket after just a few minutes.  Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does very little to alleviate this pressure cooker.

If it is 26 degrees outside, inside a car -- even with the windows cracked -- the temperature can reach 37 degrees in 10 minutes and 43 degrees in 20 minutes.  A dog's normal temperature is 38 degrees.  If it reaches 41 degrees, cell and organ damage begins to occur.

Heatstroke Symptoms include:

Exaggerated panting; bright red gums; rapid or erratic pulse; thick saliva; anxious or staring expression; weakness and muscle tremors; lack of coordination; convulsions or vomiting; collapse; seizures or coma.

Emergency Treatment

If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke follow these instructions:

• Immediately move the animal to shade;
• Wet the dog with cool water including foot pads and around the head;
• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation.  This process cools the blood reducing core temperature;
• Do not apply ice.  This constricts blood flow which inhibits cooling;
• Allow the dog to drink some cool water;
• Take the dog to a vet as soon as possible for further treatment. 

 Vets may apply supportive measures such as intravenous fluids to rehydrate the animal and oxygen to prevent brain damage.

Getting Help

If you see a dog in a car on a warm or humid day who you believe may be in trouble, ask stores to page customers.  If the dog is in distress call your local SPCA, animal control or police immediately.