No Hot Pets

Nothing gets people more excited than the prospect of a warm, sunny summer day. What many people don’t realize though is that the summer sun can turn a car, even with the windows cracked, into a deadly situation for their dog. A dog’s average normal body temperature is 38°C. But a canine body temperature just three degrees higher means trouble; dogs can only withstand a body temperature of 41°C for a very short time. After that, a dog can become victim to heat stroke, brain damage, and even death. A car—even when parked in the shade with the windows cracked open—can quickly reach deadly temperatures of 50°C and higher. Leave your dog at home when running errands, no matter how quick you plan to be.

Other ways to keep cool

Fresh, clean water is important for keeping dogs hydrated, especially in the summer. If your dog is a short-nosed breed or elderly, be particularly vigilant to ensure the heat and humidity don’t impact your dog’s breathing. Plan to exercise your dog during early mornings and later in the evenings when it is not as hot. During the middle of the day, hot asphalt can burn your dog’s paws, so stick to grass or the sidewalk when out for walks. Cooling down your pet can involve allowing them access to shade, hosing them down with cool water or creating a shallow wading area, such as a plastic children’s pool, filled with fresh water where they can splash if they like.—Katie Leonard

>> Go! Help spread the word that leaving pets unattended in hot vehicles is a bad idea. Visit nohotpets.ca for Facebook banners, decals, posters, and leaflets to share within your community.