Summer Driving and Pets

With Memorial Day but a memory, most of us are looking forward to summer vacation and long lazy days at the beach. Websites vie with each other for coming up with the most interesting tips on summer driving. What you don’t see are a lot of articles on the dangers of leaving your pet in your car. That’s a shame because every summer dogs and other pets die in hot cars. It’s time a spotlight was shone on the problem.

Sometimes pets are left in a car unintentionally, as in the time a car donation intended for the charity Kars For Kids was picked up from an industrial yard only for the towing people to discover a litter of kittens in the car. A mama cat probably climbed in and had her litter there without anyone realizing. But often, pets are left in a parked car while the pet owner runs errands. People just don’t realize how hot it gets in a parked car over time and what a low tolerance pets have for the heat.

If you’re thinking of running errands with your pet in the car, stop and plan it out. What are you going to do with your dog while you’re shopping? Whatever you do, don’t leave your dog alone in the car. Even when it’s not that hot out, your car can become dangerously hot for your pet. A car left in the sun in 72 degree Fahrenheit weather can heat up to 117 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour which is much too hot for your pet.

Pet-Friendly Destination

It’s a good idea to ascertain ahead of time that your destination is pet-friendly, so you can bring your pet indoors where there is ventilation or air conditioning. If you must leave your dog outside, find a spot with shade. Bring water along with you and a weighted drinking bowl for your pet friend. Offer your dog small amounts of water, frequently, on the hottest days.

Do you have a long-haired dog or cat? Groom your pet to rid him of some of that hair. A haircut early in the summer and one more later on is a good idea.

Dogs need exercise, but don’t take him for walks in mid-afternoon when the sun is high. Instead, take your dog out early in the morning, when the sun isn’t so strong, or in the evening. Like humans, dogs are susceptible to sunburn. Ask your vet about sunscreen for pets.

Be on the watch for signs of heatstroke in your dog:

·         Heavy panting

·         Copious salivation

·         Rapid pulse

·         Reddened tongue and gums

·         Lethargy

·         Sudden absence of coordination

·         Prostrated

·         Loss of consciousness

·         Vomiting

·         Diarrhea

If your dog shows signs of heatstroke, move him to a cool and shady place immediately and phone your vet. Gradually, lower your dog’s body temperature. If you can get access to a hose, soak your dog with cool water. A spray bottle or a shower works just as well. Don’t use very cold water, since this can cause shock. After you get your dog wetted down, put him in a breezy spot or in front of a fan to help cool him down.

Give your dog small amounts of cool water to drink. Keep wetting down your dog with the cool, not cold water, until the panting slows and your dog’s breathing settles down. Don’t allow your dog to cool to such an extent that he begins to shiver. As soon as your dog is cooled down, bring him to a veterinarian.

Hot cars and dogs just don’t go together. If you see a dog in a parked car, do the right thing. Call 911.

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