Even on cooler days, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures
At times I feel like a broken record, but here I am again with my annual "don't leave your dog in the car on a warm day" warning.
As a person who hates hot weather, I am particularly sensitive to animals left on their own without shade or locked in a hot car. Maybe the people who aren't as bothered by the heat just don't understand the urgency of how quickly a car can heat up on a warm day? Even when parked in the shade on a warm day, animals (or kids or the elderly) can succumb to heatstroke or death if left in the car unattended.
Maybe it is where I live? We have distinct 4 seasons here, and this has been a very cool spring (with snow on June 10!). Even so, Mother Nature can turn on the heat quickly; we went from snow and rain to 80F in a few days. I know that people can be caught off-guard wearing shorts in a snowstorm or a jacket on a hot afternoon. Thankfully, we can adjust to these changes quickly. Animals can't always do that.
Just yesterday, I was sitting in the car, in the sun, waiting for my family to get ready. My door was open, The backseat window was down, and a reflective window shade was in the windshield area. It was only 80F outside, but I was cooking! The family finally packed in, and we headed to a restaurant. Midway through the meal, my husband noticed a Lhasa Apso dog in a SUV, staring intently at the restaurant from the front seat, all windows closed up.
We found the owners; they were waiting for take-out. It was just a quick errand. Only a few minutes. We mentioned that the dog looked warm, and the woman agreed that it was hot out there. Thankfully, they immediately went out and got the dog out of the car. The dog was exuberant. Relieved to see his owners and happy to get out of that hot car!
May 2009 updateAnother year, another warning. This time it was a moderately warm day, about 70F, and I had an errand to run. I parked in partial shade next to a truck with a Pomeranian and an American Eskimo inside. The window wings were cracked open, but there wasn't a breeze. It wasn't horribly hot, but my car was quite warm inside upon my return. I called animal control. Even though it was a Sunday, they sent someone over to check on the dogs right away. They also requested the license number, as they send warnings in the mail if the vehicle is already gone. At the time I called, it had been an hour, and no one was in sight. I should have had some "Don't Leave Me in Here — It's Hot!" fliers in my car, but calling animal control was a good alternative.
Tips on how you can help
- If you know who the owner is, a friendly "hey, your pet is hot" or some other means of striking up conversation will alert the owner to the dangers of leaving their pet in the car. Keeping some "Don't Leave Me in Here — It's Hot!" flyers in your car are also a great way of spreading the word.
- Usually though, the car is in a parking lot and the dog is alone. In this case, speak with a store manager. I have found store managers to be very helpful in locating the owner or calling animal control. They do not want a tragedy happening in their parking lot.
- Call your local animal control or the police for assistance. One of my friends is an animal control officer. We were discussing the "pet left in a car" problem. I felt that surely, by now, the message would be out about the dangers of leaving pets (or children) in cars on warm days. No, she assured me that they get calls every year responding to distressed animals in left in cars. Some don't make it, even when animal control is called.
Readers Respond: Have you assisted an animal locked in a car?
Please share your experience and tips.
But it's summer! I want to take my dog with me!
I agree -- pets are part of the family. We frequently take our dog with us on outings. And, no matter how prepared, it seems we always have to run a quick errand or two on the way to the lake. We solve this problem by parking in the shade, leashing or kenneling the dog, and family members staying with the car and the dog, keeping doors and windows open.
If you are alone, the above scenario isn't possible and more creativity is needed. Here are some ideas.
- Use the drive-up if possible. This works for some restaurants, banks, and pharmacies.
- Shop in pet-welcome stores. Pet stores typically allow pets, and they do carry "human" items like candy and snacks if you are in a hurry.
- Utilize a travel kennel outside the car, in the shade, if possible. NOTE: Please use this tip judiciously and with caution; not for use in parking lots, not in an area where your pet could be pestered by bystanders, etc., etc. In general, travel kennels are a great way to keep your pet safe while in fresh air, with cool water, and so on.
I feel that bystanders are the "eyes and ears" to aid in preventing animal (and child) abuse and neglect. Getting involved does make a difference, especially for those who may not have a voice. If you are uncomfortable reporting a problem, please find assistance through a store manager, friend or family member to assist those in need.
Related Reading and Tools:
- What are the signs of heatstroke in pets?
- Tips to prevent heatstroke in your pet
- In hot car, "just a minute" can be deadly for dogs
Excellent article on msnbc.com Pet Health - Summer Fun - Summer Safety
Learn about heatstroke signs and more of the dangers of summer heat. - My Dog Is Cool
Great resource site for helping animals and raising awareness. MyDogIsCool is a Web site that is now operated by United Animal Nations. - How Hot Do Cars Get?
A car acts like a greenhouse, trapping the sun's heat. Find out just how hot that car gets, even on "cool" days. From MyDogIsCool.com. - In the News
True news stories of pets trapped in cars. Sadly, this happens everywhere. From MyDogIsCool.com. - Printable Flyers
From MyDogIsCool.com - Parked Cars Cook Dogs
From D is for Dogs. With more printable flyers.
