Dear friend of our orphans,
Leaving a pet in a car during the "dog days of summer" could result in broken vehicle windows and fines for the pet's owner.
House Bill 1216, Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection act, gives police and humane officers the right to break into a vehicle to rescue an animal in danger. Click
here
for details.
Cars heat up very quickly. On an 80-degree day the inside of a car can rise to 99 degrees in 10 minutes and 109 degrees in 20 minutes.
Cracking the windows has little effect on the internal temperature of a car.
Symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include exaggerated panting, difficulty breathing, brick red or bluish tongue and lips, drooling, weakness and vomiting. Flat-faced dogs, like pugs and boxers, are at a higher risk because they can't pant as effectively as others.
Those who see a dog locked in a car on a hot day should call 911 to report neglect.
Here are some other tips for keeping your pets comfortable and safe during hot weather.
* Make sure that your pet has plenty of clean water and is able to escape the heat.
* Make sure they have shade, besides a doghouse! Or, better yet, bring them inside!
* Leave your dog at home when the temperatures soar. If it is warm but not too hot, be sure to hydrate him often on walks.
* Do not let your dog hang his head out of a moving car, as rocks or tree limbs may hit your pet, or he could lose his balance and fall out.
* Never allow your pet to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. A sudden turn or stop will throw your animal out of the vehicle.
* If your pet is overcome by heat exhaustion, cool him off with cold water and ice, and have your veterinarian check him as soon as possible.
* If you see an animal at risk, contact your local police, or state police.
The animals can not speak for themselves, and depend on you!
