Pets in hot, parked cars deadly combo

Pets in hot, parked cars deadly comboHere is a scary thought: You are trapped inside an enclosed metal box with windows sealed tight, and the temperature is rising. Breathing is becoming more and more difficult. The people who have gathered around outside are not sure just how dangerous your situation is or what to do to help you. Your would-be rescuers are reluctant to take action, worrying that they might get in trouble if they break a window to save your life. While your rescuers waste critical time, you feel yourself slowly losing consciousness, perhaps to never awake again.
This scenario is very possible for any dog locked inside a vehicle in the hot Texas sun. On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120 degrees F in as little as 10 minutes - even with the car windows partially opened. A pet could quickly suffer brain damage or die from heat stroke or suffocation while trapped inside an automobile on a hot Texas afternoon.
Dogs have few sweat glands, so they must pant to cool themselves. If there is no cool air to breathe, there is a serious risk of heat stress. Dogs that are especially prone to heat stroke include the very young or elderly and short-nosed breeds, such as pugs and boxers. Heavy-coated dogs are also very susceptible to heat stroke. Pets that are overweight, those that suffer from cardiovascular or respiratory problems, and animals with a history of heat stress are all at a higher risk of having heat stroke.
Here are some tips concerning heat stroke in your pet:

• Be alert for the signs of heat stress. These include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, you must begin to lower its body temperature immediately.
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not icy cold) water all over its body to gradually lower its body temperature.
• Places cool towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Cool with a fan if possible.
• Once you have successfully lowered your pet's body temperature, transport it directly to a veterinarian - it could save your pet's life.

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal control agency or police department immediately! If a person leaves his dog in a car, he could be issued a citation and may have to pay a hefty and well-warranted fine. The local animal control switchboard receives more than 1,000 animal related calls each month, and animal control officers impound many dogs a day during the hot summer months because of owner neglect.
Some animal lovers like to leave a stern note on the windshield for the owner if they see a pet left in an automobile. And some brave good Samaritans will wait for the owner to return to make sure that the pet is OK and to confront the owner about the dangers of leaving the pet even for a short time.
Taking your pet for a ride in the car may seem like fun. But if you have errands that will mean that your dog must wait in the car, please leave him in the comfort and safety of home. Engage in activities that you and your pet can share at home and avoid taking risks by leaving your pet in the car.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.