Every year as the summer season begins and temperatures rise, veterinary hospitals across the province see an increase in cases of heatstroke in dogs.
A parked car on a warm day heats up much faster than you might think. Even on mild days or in the shade, car windows can act as a greenhouse causing temperatures inside the car to soar quickly.
Dogs don’t have sweat glands. Instead they cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws.
On summer days, the hot air and upholstery in a vehicle can make it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Senior pets and dogs with flatter faces are at an even higher risk of becoming overheated.
If you see an animal in a parked vehicle in the heat, please consider the following steps:
DO Take some time to assess the situation and determine whether intervention is required. For example, some cars, especially hybrid or electric vehicles, run quietly, and it may be that the engine and air conditioning are on and it is difficult to hear.
DO Check for signs of distress from the animal inside, symptoms of heatstroke include: Exaggerated panting, excessive drooling, signs of anxiety or stress, unable to get up, lack of coordination, vomiting or collapse.
If the dog is not showing signs of distress:
DO Try to locate the owner. Note the license plate and vehicle information and ask the nearest stores/businesses to make an announcement for the owner to return to their car immediately.
DON’T confront the owner, for your own safety.
If no owner is found and/or the dog is showing signs of distress: Call your local SPCA or dial 911 for RCMP attendance and stay at the vehicle until police arrive.
DON’T Break windows. Broken glass could cause further injury to the pet, and you could be liable for damages. Only the RCMP, local police and the Nova Scotia SPCA have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress.
DO Keep emergency supplies in your car, such as bottled water, a small bowl, and a towel that can be soaked in water. This can help hydrate an animal (if a window has been left open) while you wait for emergency response. A battery-powered fan from a dollar store can also be handy to circulate air.
DO Be an advocate! Address the problem through education and prevention. Each time an RCMP officer is dispatched to rescue an animal in a parked car, it stretches resources required for other emergency calls.
No bun intended, but your dog could do wurst than being left at home where it’s cool and safe. If you need to take your pet with your, consider the following alternatives:
Mustard up a smile at the drive-thru for errands (when available)
Ketchup with friends by bringing someone with you who can remain in an air-conditioned vehicle with your pet or play with your dog outside while you run an errand. Bonus points if they go to the beach like Scout!
Or find a sprinkler like Ivy!
Relish the good times and shop at pet-friendly stores where your dog is welcome to browse with you.
Meat up at a dog-friendly outdoor cafe for lunch like Odin and Loki . Look for one with lots of shade!
Or, like Gord, you could let those dogs chill at home!
