From SPCANS, July 16, 2009
Halifax, NSNova Scotia SPCA asks: "Did you leave your oven on?""
Every year as the temperature rises, so do the number of reports we receive of animals in parked cars in distress," says Nova Scotia SPCA Vice-President Kat Horne. "Pet owners, we know you love your dog and want him to be with you, and that you only stopped 'for a minute' to run your errand but the sad reality is that a car can become an oven in just a couple of minutes."
The Nova Scotia SPCA asks you to please protect your companion by learning the facts about pets and heat and spreading the word. It could mean the difference between life and death for an animal this summer.
Know the Facts
The temperature inside a parked vehicle can double in a matter of minutes. A dog left in a vehicle can die in minutes because they are unable to sweat to cool themselves. A dog panting inside a car will raise the temperature even more quickly.
Leaving the windows down, and water nearby does little to nothing to slow this process.
Learn the signs of heat exhaustion - restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness or lack of coordination.
Act Fast
If your pet shows any of these symptoms, get him or her to shade or air conditioning right away and to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
If you see a pet in danger, try to have the animal's guardian paged inside the store, or call the police or the SPCA. Unfortunately, however, SPCA Investigators and Police Officers can only break into a vehicle if the animal inside is in critical distress or might become critically distressed before an owner can be found and urgent action is required. So try to find the owner as quickly as you can.
"If you are used to letting your pet accompany you on errands, you might feel guilty leaving them behind on hot summer days", says Ms. Horne. "But your pet will be much happier - and safer - at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water."
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