Even a 78˚F Day Can Be Deadly for Animals Left in Cars

For Immediate Release:
August 1, 2005

Contact:
Laura Brown 757-622-7382

Boston — Last Tuesday, Boston police removed a golden retriever who “appeared to be dying” from a parked car belonging to a dog-sitting service on West Canton Street. The owner of the car claimed that the dog had only been in the car for about 10 minutes. This near-tragic incident is a reminder that hot weather can be deadly for dogs, who can succumb to heatstroke in just 15 minutes and die or suffer brain damage as a result.

Dogs who are left in parked cars are especially susceptible. On a 78°F day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 90°F, while the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach 160°F in minutes. Symptoms of heatstroke include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, vomiting, and lack of coordination. If you see a dog showing any of these symptoms, get him or her into the shade immediately and call a veterinarian. Lower the dog’s body temperature by providing water to drink, applying a cold towel to the head and chest, or immersing the dog in tepid (not cold) water.

“Every summer, we hear about tragedies that could have been prevented,” says PETA Cruelty Caseworker Laura Brown. “Many people don’t realize how quickly animals who are left in a hot car or outside without shade or water can succumb to the heat.”

To prevent other animals from suffering in the heat, we ask that you share these potentially lifesaving precautions for safeguarding dogs during hot weather and that you keep them posted throughout the summer:

* If you see a dog in a parked car, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number. If the car is in a store’s parking lot, have the owner paged over the store’s intercom; otherwise, call local humane authorities or police. Do not leave until the dog is safe.
* Don’t carry your dog in the bed of a pickup truck. While this practice is always dangerous, heat brings the added danger that dogs’ feet might be burned on hot metal.
* Don’t take your dog jogging—except on cool mornings or evenings. Rest often and bring plenty of water. Hot pavement can burn dogs’ paws, so choose shady, grassy routes.
* Trim heavy-coated dogs’ fur, but leave an inch of fur for protection against insects and sunburn.
* Keep dogs indoors. If they absolutely must stay outside, at least try not to keep them outside during the hottest part of the day. Provide all-day shade, drinking water in a heavy bowl, and a kiddie pool.
* Be a watchdog for outside dogs. Make sure that they have food, water, and shelter. If you see a dog in distress, contact humane authorities. Give the dog immediate relief by providing water.
* Contact PETA for a supply of fliers on the dangers of heatstroke to leave on windshields.

Additional information can be found at HelpingAnimals.com.