Pets Left In Cars Can Be Deadly!

It is that time of year when temperatures begin reaching into the mid and high 80s and 90s. Though the weather is great for swimming and other outdoor activities, it is also a deadly time of the year for pets that are left in cars. Even relatively mild days can be deadly for a pet left inside a car because the temperature inside the car far exceeds that outside the vehicle. Animal experts agree that the temperature inside a parked car can soar as much as 15 degrees above the outside temperature in as little as one minute and can literally double the outside temperature if parked in the direct sun.

Animals cool themselves through their paws and panting and need cool air to be able to sufficiently lower their body temperature. Even leaving the window down is not enough to allow circulation in a car and will not be enough to enable a pet to cool itself. There is also a risk to leaving the air conditioning running in the vehicle. If the air conditioning malfunctions, the pet is at serious risk of heat exhaustion or suffocation. Though many pets like to ride with their owners, that treat is better left for the moderate days of late fall and winter, when the outside temperature is well below the 60 degree mark. Instead of that coveted ride to the store, spend time with your pet enjoying the shade of the yard or the air conditioning of the living room. Remember that large cavity pets may have a more difficult time cooling themselves so limited time in the outdoors or a cool, shady area is a necessity for these, and all furry family members.