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ENLARGE
CAPS CORNER
Jennifer Williamson
A good friend of the family (let's call her “Susan”) called on Thursday asking about dogs being left in cars and just how dangerous it can be. I explained to her what happens to a dog who is the victim of a hot car, and she was just flabbergasted that someone would subject a dog to this environment.
As a reminder or simply a first notice, at this point in the season, do not bring your dog with you to the store; leave him at home.
Susan mentioned that she was at a local store where she witnessed a small Pomeranian-type dog inside a vehicle with the windows rolled up, acting as if it was going berserk — panting, pacing, acting wildly. She felt awful for the poor dog and helpless because she didn't know what to do.
Susan carefully listened to hear if the engine was running, hoping that somehow the owner of the vehicle and dog had at least that much sense. However, an air conditioner left running will not cool the air if the vehicle isn't moving. The air-conditioned air temperature will in fact increase as the vehicle sits in the sun.
Susan also mentioned a dog in the back of a pickup truck that was not near any shade. This is also a recipe for disaster — shade and water are essential for a dog in these temperatures. A dog does not have the ability to stabilize its body temperature by sweating and can go into heatstroke simply from being in the back of a truck on a hot summer's day with no respite of shade or water.
I mentioned to Susan that the city police/animal control run an ad on the radio each year, specifically talking about this “crime” and that they will act on any calls they receive.
Because it might feel cool to you when you park in the shade and crack the windows, leaving your dog in the vehicle is still very dangerous. On an 85-degree day, the temperature in your car can reach 102 degrees after only 10 minutes; at 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke.
On hot and humid days, the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute and quickly become lethal. Dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes.
Try not to overwork him in the heat of the day if at all possible. Basically, if you are uncomfortable, he is too. Try changing your feeding routine so that he isn't eating in the heat of the day. Feed first thing in the morning and then wait until later in the day to feed again if you feed twice per day.
These are some of the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.
These are some things that you can do if your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke: Take steps to gradually lower his body temperature immediately; move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area; apply ice packs or cold towels to his head, neck and chest or immerse him in cool (not cold) water; let him drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes; and take him directly to a veterinarian if needed.
During the summer, companion animals die every year from heatstroke. The worst part is knowing that each death is preventable. Do your best friend a favor and leave him at home while you run your errands. Instead, buy him a treat at the store and spend sometime with him in the coolness of the evening.
Check out our Web site at www.capsnv.org to learn of our coming events or perhaps to meet your next best friend..
Jennifer Williamson, a Churchill County resident, is president of CAPS.
As a reminder or simply a first notice, at this point in the season, do not bring your dog with you to the store; leave him at home.
Susan mentioned that she was at a local store where she witnessed a small Pomeranian-type dog inside a vehicle with the windows rolled up, acting as if it was going berserk — panting, pacing, acting wildly. She felt awful for the poor dog and helpless because she didn't know what to do.
Susan carefully listened to hear if the engine was running, hoping that somehow the owner of the vehicle and dog had at least that much sense. However, an air conditioner left running will not cool the air if the vehicle isn't moving. The air-conditioned air temperature will in fact increase as the vehicle sits in the sun.
Susan also mentioned a dog in the back of a pickup truck that was not near any shade. This is also a recipe for disaster — shade and water are essential for a dog in these temperatures. A dog does not have the ability to stabilize its body temperature by sweating and can go into heatstroke simply from being in the back of a truck on a hot summer's day with no respite of shade or water.
I mentioned to Susan that the city police/animal control run an ad on the radio each year, specifically talking about this “crime” and that they will act on any calls they receive.
Because it might feel cool to you when you park in the shade and crack the windows, leaving your dog in the vehicle is still very dangerous. On an 85-degree day, the temperature in your car can reach 102 degrees after only 10 minutes; at 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. At 110 degrees, pets are in danger of heatstroke.
On hot and humid days, the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute and quickly become lethal. Dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes.
Try not to overwork him in the heat of the day if at all possible. Basically, if you are uncomfortable, he is too. Try changing your feeding routine so that he isn't eating in the heat of the day. Feed first thing in the morning and then wait until later in the day to feed again if you feed twice per day.
These are some of the symptoms of heat stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue and unconsciousness.
These are some things that you can do if your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke: Take steps to gradually lower his body temperature immediately; move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area; apply ice packs or cold towels to his head, neck and chest or immerse him in cool (not cold) water; let him drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes; and take him directly to a veterinarian if needed.
During the summer, companion animals die every year from heatstroke. The worst part is knowing that each death is preventable. Do your best friend a favor and leave him at home while you run your errands. Instead, buy him a treat at the store and spend sometime with him in the coolness of the evening.
Check out our Web site at www.capsnv.org to learn of our coming events or perhaps to meet your next best friend..
Jennifer Williamson, a Churchill County resident, is president of CAPS.
