We’ve all heard the stories, and they always end the same way – “I was just running in for a minute.” One minute becomes five and for that dog left in the car, the heat can become deadly. Fast.
According to the ASPCA, on an 85 degree day it takes just 10 minutes for the inside of a car to climb to 102 degrees. Another 20 minutes and the temperature climbs to 120 lethal degrees.
So, to our question – which of the dogs pictured is in more danger? If you guessed the Pug you were right. Dogs with flat faces, like Pugs, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively, according to the ASPCA. They’re best suited for air-conditioned environments.
No dog should ever be left in a hot car. It’s okay to call 911. Georgia’s governor suggests contacting your local sheriff’s department or law enforcement agency and writing down the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number like you would if you saw a child in danger. And if you’re at a store, ask the store manager or security guard to make an announcement. We in Atlanta are always looking out for one another.
That tops our list of summer safety tips. Here are the rest:
- Pets left outdoors need shady spaces to escape the heat and plenty of water. Pets should be kept inside when it’s very hot.
- Symptoms of overheating in pets include panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, drooling, mild weakness, bloody stool, stupor or collapse. Excessive heat can cause seizures.
- Pets should never be left unsupervised near a pool.
- Keep windows closed if they have no screens. Pets often fall out.
- Longer haired dogs should be trimmed. At Lucky & Lady®, our awesome grooming team will soon be ready to help.
- Hot asphalt can damage paw pads, so keep walks to a minimum from 11 a.m to 6 p.m.
- Lawn and garden chemicals and insecticides should be kept well out of reach.
- An unattended alcoholic beverage, if ingested by your pet, could cause intoxication, depression or comas.