Summer Safety Pet Tips
As the first snow storm hits each year, it generally seems that we forget how to drive on the wet and snowy roads and we need reminders to slow down. Well, the same holds true as summer approaches. We forget how hard the heat is on our pets and gentle reminders are always good. Remember that our pets handle heat differently than we do and can only cool down in limited ways. We want to keep them safe and comfortable just as though they were our own children.
One important thing we should never do is leave our pets inside a vehicle in the summertime, even with the windows cracked. We should always keep an eye out for heat exhaustion and heat stroke in our pets. Dogs and cats have fur, which is like wearing coat year round that cannot be taken off. They do not sweat through their skin like humans do to cool down. Dogs and cats sweat through their paw pads and in order for them to cool down they pant.
Have you ever stepped into a greenhouse in the summertime? The windows are designed to trap the heat from the sun inside. Your vehicle has the same effect as a greenhouse. The temperature inside the vehicle can rise rapidly and be much greater than the outside temperature. It is not uncommon for a vehicle to be over 100+ degrees inside when the temperature outside is much cooler 60-70 degrees. This can become very dangerous and even deadly for your pets.
If you think cracking your windows will solve the problem think again. Your vehicle can reach 100+ degrees within 30 minutes or less, even with the windows cracked. Veterinarian Dr. Ernie Ward did a YouTube video of himself in a vehicle with all the windows cracked. The starting temperature was 95°F and within 30 minutes the temperature inside the vehicle reached 117°F. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOcCQ-y3OY)
In another YouTube video, Dana Lee locks himself into a car for 30 minutes with the windows rolled up. The temperature was 84.2°F outside. The Temperature inside the vehicle started at 105.8°F. At the 30 minute mark the temperature reading on the dash was 158°F. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW1w87ZlVDw)
Here is one chart of temperature changes and approximately how long it takes:
From the National Highway Transportation System Association's website they Stated the following: "Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131° F - 172° F (55° C – 78° C) when outside temperatures are 80° F – 100° F (27° C – 38° C). Even outside temperatures in the 60s can cause a car temperature to rise well above 110° F." (http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/enforce/ChildrenAndCars/pages/Unattend-HotCars.htm)
So please, as the days start to get warmer do not leave your pets, or your children for that matter, in your vehicle. Do not get caught thinking, "I will only be a few minutes." That few minutes could mean the difference between life and death.