Too Hot: The Risks of Leaving a Pet in the Car
As loving pet owners, it is our responsibility to advocate and care for our beloved animals as best we can. While no one ever intends to harm their cherished family friends, sometimes accidents happen. Animal Medical Center wants to help prevent heartbreak by educating pet owners about the dangers of leaving a pet in the hot car, even for just a minute.
Hot Cars and Pets Don’t Mix
It is far too easy for a pet to overheat in a parked car, especially in Florida. Even in the shade. Even with a window cracked. Even for a minute.
There are just a few reasons that leaving a pet in the car is a bad idea:
- Dogs already have a normal internal body temperature that can exceed 102 F, so it doesn’t take a lot to go too high
- Dogs can’t cool themselves efficiently, and instead rely on sweat glands in their paw pads and panting to help regulate body temperature
- Brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs are even less able to cool themselves
- Heat can rise quickly—even on a 75 degree day, things can get up to 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes
- Cracking a window does not change the heat in a parked car significantly
- As the heat begins to rise, it often triggers your pet’s anxiety to rise, which can increase their internal temperature even faster
Heat Stroke in Pets
As your pet’s temperature rises, they may become more anxious and even panicky—worsening the problem. If no intervention happens, unconsciousness can occur and major organs begin to stop working.
Signs that a pet may be becoming overheated include:
- Heavy panting or very heavy, deep breathing
- Weakness
- Confusion or inability to pay attention
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- As things progress, pets may have shallow or slowed breathing, pale gums, and might even exhibit seizures
Overheating can quickly turn to a life-threatening situation. If your pet or another pet becomes overheated, or you suspect that they may be, it is important to act quickly. Move them to a cooler area immediately and contact us right away. In Florida, we have laws to help protect a good Samaritan helping a domestic animal trapped in a vehicle.
If the pet is able to drink, offer fresh, cool water. It is important to not cool an overheated pet too quickly. Bathing in lukewarm water can help to bring the temperature down. If lethargy, confusion, or seizures have occurred, you must get urgent veterinary treatment.
There is no reason to risk your pet overheating. Use the drive-through, select pet-friendly establishments when out and about, bring a friend to stay with your pet and keep them cool, or simply leave them at home. Hot cars and pets don’t belong together.