Great article from Dr Jon at petplace.comThe other day a client called me and she was very upset. She was at the mall with her kids and they saw this poor dog locked in a truck. It was a hot day - just a few days ago - and she didn't know what she should do.
The window was barely cracked. The truck was parked in the middle of the parking lot and the sun was beating down on it - the truck was NOT even in the shade - and the dog looked very hot and tired. They were all very upset and she wanted to know what she should do.
I can't tell you how many times I've been asked this question. Unfortunately this happens too often. People think that they'll only be gone a few minutes and that the dog will be fine in the car. Some believe that "cracking the window" will make it OK. In reality, it is NEVER OK to leave a dog alone in a hot car, not even for a few minutes. I can't tell you how many cases I've seen where the owner returns to find the dog severely overheated. Heat stroke can happen very quickly and in many of these cases, it is just too late to save the dog.
Heat Stroke is a condition arising from extremely high body temperature (rectal temperature of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit), which leads to nervous system abnormalities that may include lethargy, weakness, collapse or coma.
Allowing a dog to remain in a car with closed windows on a hot summer day is probably the most common cause of heat stroke.
Normal dogs dissipate heat from their skin. In addition, panting allows evaporation of water from the respiratory tract and is an effective method of heat dissipation. But when these mechanisms are overwhelmed, hyperthermia and heat stroke usually develop.
At this time of year, it only takes minutes for a dog in a closed car or truck to suffer from heat stroke. Treatment is possible but difficult, and even with treatment many dogs die. For more information on heat stroke - go to: http://www.petplace.com/heat-stroke
So...what should you do if you see a dog that was left inside a truck or car? The reality is, the dog can die in a matter of minutes. That dog needs help. In a case like this where they were at a shopping mall, I recommend calling mall security. You can even call your local humane society or animal control to get their recommendations.
Leaving an animal alone inside a hot car is pet abuse. Here is an article telling you what to do if you suspect pet abuse. Go to: http://www.petplace.com/what-to-do-if-you-suspect-pet-abuse
Let this be a lesson. NEVER leave your dog in the car (even with the windows partially rolled down) - not for any reason at any time. During warm weather, this is the most common cause of heat stroke.
Until next time,
Dr. Jon
P.S. What if you were the one who saw this dog locked inside that truck on a sunny day? What would you do in this situation? Take our poll.
