SUMMER DO'S & DON'TS: 3 REASONS WHY DOGS & HOT CARS DON'T GET ALONG

Reason #1: The Heat 
A pet owner takes their dog out for a day of fun but needs to stop at the corner store to grab a drink. Fido waits in the car. The temperature outdoors is over a 100 degrees. While the owner decides to grab a couple of more things the temperature in the car soars over 120 degrees! You think we're exaggerating or being dramatic? Not so, my friend. Here are the facts:

OUTDOORS . . . . .TIME. . . . . . . . .TEMP IN CAR 
78 degrees. . .10 min or less. . . .100 - 120 degrees
90 degrees. . .10 min or less. . . .100 - 170 degrees
100 degrees. . .10 min or less. . . .100 - you get the idea

Reason #2: 10 Minutes Makes a Huge Difference

• A dog's temperature normally is in the neighborhood of 101.5 F. 
• They get into trouble if it only raises 1.5 degrees to 103 degrees. 
• They are susceptible to hyperthermia/heat stroke after an increase of only 3 more degrees to a body temp of 106. 
• They cannot get their temperature down to save themselves.

This is why minutes in the heat in the car count. 
You might say that this doesn't apply to you because you crack the window but if the dog can't jump through the window, your dog is still in jeopardy . Why? 

Reason #3: Panting is NOT Enough
Dogs may pant all they want and desperately so, but it is not enough to prevent heat stroke.  LIKE IN A HOT CAR! I will tell you that young dogs and brachycephalic breeds (short snouts/smushed faced dogs) are even more at risk than older dogs. There are other physical traits you can factor in but honestly, these deter from the fact that heat kills quickly and any death from heatstroke in a car is preventable. It is owner controlled.

DID YOU KNOW? DOGS CAN NOT SWEAT ENOUGH TO COOL THEMSELVES DOWN IN EXCESSIVELY WARM ENVIRONMENTS.

What To Watch Out For & How to Help
There are more than 10 of symptoms and the rescue measures are usually given as well, even calling 911 ONLY firefighters. Do not use icey water!


Symptoms:

• Increased heart rate
• Excessive panting
• Increased salivation
• Bright red tongue
• Red or pale gums
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Depression
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
• Diarrhea

How to Help:

1. Remove the dog from hot area.
2. Take the dog to the Vet
3. On the way to the vet put cool wet towels on chest, groin, paws and stomach. 
4. Allow free access to water, DO NOT force feed cold water, that is counter-productive!

How to Prevent:
PLANNING. Plan your trips. Have a friend take Fido for a walk if you can't take him with you. Be safe. Have fun!
 
It is criminal in at least 14 states (2012) to leave a dog unattended in a car.