It's that time of year again when temperatures soar into the high 90s and higher - it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 105 degrees or more ...
It only takes ten minutes on an 85 degree day for the inside of your car to reach 105 degrees - even when the windows have been left open an inch or two.
When the temperature is a pleasant 70 degrees, the inside of your car may be as much as twenty (20) degrees hotter than the air outside. Within thirty (30) minutes, a car's interior can reach 120 degrees.
Shade offers little protection on a hot day and moves with the sun. Those pets most at risk for hyperthermia (overheating)are:
young animals
elderly animals
overweight animals
or those with short muzzles (like Boston Terriers, Pugs, Pekeingese, etc.)
and those with thick or dark-colored fur.
PLEASE leave your pet at home in hot weather, unless you are taking them to the park or the veterinarian.
If your dog is overcome by heat:
Bring down body temperature by soaking the animal in cool, not cold or icy, water; make sure water does not get inot the mouth or nose of an unconcious animal. Seek immediate veterinary care.
Hot Weather Traveling Tips
If you are traveling with your pet on vacation, please keep these safety tips in mind:
1. Get a veterinary check-up before traveling and make sure you have the necessary vaccination certificates, and flea and tick treatments for the area you will be visiting.
2. Carry a gallon thermos of cold water or bring along two-liter plastic bottles of water you froze the night before.
3. Exercise your pet during the coolest parts of the day (dawn and dusk) and never immediately following a meal.
4. Hot ashpalt and tar can burn sensitive paw pads. Walk your pet on grass or dirt when possible - but be careful with sand as it gets very hot and can burn as well.
5. Provide shade when your pet is outside.