Just a few minutes, could be an eternity in a 102 Degree car for your canine companion!
The summer months can be uncomfortably hot and even dangerous for our furry four legged family members. As temperatures raise so does the risk of potential heat stroke or even death for dogs left in cars by their guardians. Last summer from — June 1 to Aug. 31 — it was the hottest on record for Boise, Idaho, since record-keeping which began in 1875, according to the weather service. With temperatures over 100 degrees consistently appearing during Boise’s summer months it’s important to keep your pets cool and hydrated. In the most serious situations dogs can sustain brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes! It’s important to remember the heat is extra hard on your canine companions because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paws.
As a owner its vital for you to remember that parked cars are Sauna’s for dogs: On even just a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar up to 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day the interior temperature in a vehicle can reach as high as 136 degrees in less than 1 hour. Make sure to plan ahead when taking your dog with you on errands or trips.
Taking a dog’s temperature will quickly tell you if there is a serious problem. Dogs temperatures should not be allowed to get over 104 degrees. Signs of heatstroke include symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of coordination. If a dog shows any of these symptoms move your pet into the shade or an air conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to their head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over them. Let them drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes, and then take them directly to a veterinarian or call your vet immediately.
Our dogs are our family and we frequently take them with us on adventures, errands and drives. And no matter how much you plan, plans always seem to have a way of changing, so we end up parking in the shade, telling ourselves it will only be a minute or cracking the windows while we leave them in the car. Some great options to consider if you find yourself in this scenario are pet friendly stores, Drive up options if possible (restaurants, banks and pharmacies), or taking your furry friend to a Doggie Daycare and you can bet we know the best one in Boise, Idaho to recommend you to!
This summer keep your dog safe and happy by keeping them cool and protected from the sun’s rays and scorching heat!