Temperatures in the Southwest are already hitting 100º and up. The rest of the country will soon follow. All too often, we read and hear about dogs dying from being left too long in cars in the sun. Fortunately, there are tips galore, posters, signs and even a Cool Dog Pledge at My Dog Is Cool.
Source: My Dog is Cool.
Leaving your dog in a car for “just a minute” may be too long. On a summer’s day of 85°F, for example, even keeping the windows slightly open won’t stop the inside temperature from climbing to 102°F in 10 minutes and to 120° in 20 minutes. A dog whose body temperature rises to 107° will, within a very short time, suffer irreparable brain damage – or even death.
INSIGHTS: There is enough material here to keep clinic blogs and newsletters full of heat safety reminders all summer long. The hot car flyers, posters and signs can be good counter material. They can also be shared with neighboring businesses to encourage them to spread the word.