Per the United Animal Nations (UAN) web site, a Stanford University test found that when it is just 72 degrees outside, a car's internal temperature can reach 116 degrees within an hour, even with the windows partially down. The study also showed that when it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside the vehicle can soar to 102 degrees in ten minutes and 120 degrees in thirty minutes. A dog can only withstand a high body temperature for a short time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage or even death. A dog may show signs of distress in five minutes or less.
"It's Just for a Few Minutes."
Pet owners often have the “it's just for a few minutes” mentality and think that leaving the windows partially open will keep the pet safe. It just isn't true. “Just a few minutes” almost always turns into 15 to 20 minutes or longer. In that amount of time, a pet could suffer serious brain or other organ damage or die. It is never acceptable to leave an animal in a parked car unsupervised. In some municipalities, it is considered animal cruelty and punishable by law.
Before you take your pet with you, think about whether or not you will have to be out of your car at any point. If you will, then leave the pet at home. Always take water with you whenever you do have to travel with your pet. Be prepared should you have a flat tire or mechanical problem that could mean you and your pet are stranded for a period of time until you can change the tire or help arrives. Portable and collapsible water bowls are easy to find for purchase, or use a plastic container with a lid that snaps tight. Of course, always have fresh water available at all times for your pets.
How to Help
If you see an animal that has been left in a vehicle, call authorities immediately and then try to locate the owner. This may mean going store to store to have them paged, so be sure to write down the make, model and tag number of the vehicle.
Help spread the word by downloading free posters at My Dog is Cool. See if local merchants will post them at registers or in storefront windows. Your local shelters might appreciate having some as handouts as well. Please help keep our beloved companions safe year round and in all climates.
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