In the summer months, high temperatures and humidity can be uncomfortable for humans as well as animals. Temperatures can be even more extreme inside cars, so it’s important to take safety precautions for the well-being of your pets.
If it’s 78 degrees outside, the temperature in a parked car can reach 100 degrees in just a few minutes. If it’s 90 degrees, the interior of a car can reach 109 degrees in 10 minutes. When left in the sun for longer, cars can even reach temperatures of 160 or more.
If you see a dog in a hot car, record the car’s make, model, color and license plate number. Go into any nearby stores or buildings to try to page the owner and call the local humane authority or police. Many states have laws that allow people to remove dogs from locked cars on hot days. Look up the laws in your state, so you’ll know what steps you can take to help a dog that is overheating. Follow these safety tips to make sure your dog stays safe in the car on hot days.
Never leave your dog in a parked car.
You should never leave your dog in the car, even if you’ll only be gone for a few minutes. There are a number of factors that could prevent your quick return to the car. If you’re going into a store, you could stop to chat with a friend, you could get stuck in a long checkout line, or you could even slip and fall.
Even if you leave the air-conditioning running, the temperatures can get dangerously hot. Air conditioners sometimes fail, and you’ll have no way of knowing whether the AC is working if you’re away from the car. Dogs can also hit buttons or switches and inadvertently turn off the air conditioning.
The temperature in a parked car in the sun can reach double the temperature outside and it only takes a few minutes for your dog to start overheating. If you can’t bring your dog into your destination, leave your dog at home. Hiring a pet sitter for a day while you take a long trip is worth it to ensure that your dog is healthy and safe.
Drive a light-colored vehicle.
Although parked cars are a serious danger, dogs can overheat in moving cars too. If you’re in the market for a new car, try to find one in a lighter color. The darker the interior and exterior of your car, the hotter it will get. The color of your car can make a difference up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Although dark upholstery is better for hiding dog hair, light-colored upholstery with a seat cover will be much cooler and safer for your dog.
Keep your seats covered.
When you park your car in the sun, the upholstery can get extremely hot. If you can’t park in the shade, cover your seats with blankets, towels, or cushions for your dog. This will make your car much safer and more comfortable. Before you let your dog in the car, check the temperature of the seat with your hand. If it’s too hot, run the air conditioning for a few minutes before letting your dog inside.
Use sunshades.
You can place reflective sunshades in the interior front window. This will reduce the amount of heat and light reaching the inside of the vehicle and it will make the car much more comfortable for you and your dog.
Buy a cooling pad.
Cooling pads are designed to help your dog feel more comfortable in hot temperatures. You can use a cooling pad anywhere, but it’s a great tool to keep in your car. Most pet stores sell a variety of cooling pads. Try to find one that’s lightweight and easy to clean, so it won’t be a hassle to bring it on a long trip. You can also look for cooling jackets and bandanas to help your dog cool down.
Travel in the morning or evening.
If you need to take your dog somewhere, try to plan the trip for the morning or evening. This way the temperature won’t be as high and the sun won’t shine directly into the car.
Keep your dog hydrated.
Your dog should always be well-hydrated, but it’s especially important to pay attention to hydration in the summer. Make sure your dog drinks water before he gets in the car. If you’re taking a long trip, consider buying a travel water dish for your dog. This will be much easier and less messy than a regular water dish. However, if your dog has bladder control issues, make sure he doesn’t drink too much water. Stop frequently on long road trips to let your dog take a potty break.
Watch for signs of heatstroke.
Even if you take every precaution possible when putting your dog in the car in the summer, you should still watch for heatstroke.
Common symptoms of heatstroke include:
- •Tremors
•Excessive panting
•Difficulty breathing
•Collapsing
•Seizures
•Weakness
•Nosebleeds
•Diarrhea
If you notice any of these signs, move your dog into a shady or air-conditioned area. Apply cold compresses or ice packs to his head, chest, and neck, and let him drink some cool water or lick ice cubes. Bring him to a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
