Saturday, June 25, 2011

DOGS DIE AFTER BEING LEFT IN HOT CAR

I just can't understand why people leave pets in their cars on a hot day. They must love their dogs, because they bring them in the car. But if they love them, then they should want the best for them and being locked in a hot car is abusive and could be deadly.

Since moving to the Sacramento area, when temperatures can get to the triple digits in the summer, I have seen several dogs left in cars on these days. When I approach the owners they are defensive, say the animals are OK and to mind my own business.

There was a recent TV news report that dogs were being left in hot cars at one of the local malls. A very disturbing surveillance video showed a German Shepherd trying its hardest to try to escape out the window, that was left cracked a bit. It was panting heavily. The car was in the sun and the outside temperature was 102 degrees. The inside of the car was most likely over 120 degrees.

There are laws passed now and it is a crime to leave a pet in a hot car. But, there are hundreds of calls across the nation everyday to rescue pets.

In June, a police dog died in New Castle, PA, after his fellow officer left him for over two hours as temperatures reached 90 degrees.

It takes only 6 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car and a mere 4 minutes for it to cause brain damage.

Signs of Overheating in Pets: Heavy panting; increased salivation; dry mouth, nose and gums; weakness; vomiting or diarrhea, and ultimately, collapse.

Heat Stress Care: If you think your pet is suffering from heat stress, seek immediate veterinary care. As you wait for veterinary assistance, wet or sponge the animal down with cool (not ice) water. Take care not to get water in the mouth of an unconscious animal.

OVERHEATING KILLS!!!! LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME IN HOT WEATHER!!!!