During hot weather, even dogs left in the shade can quickly succumb to heatstroke and suffer brain damage as a result. On a 78°F day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 90°F, while the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach 160°F in minutes. If you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke -- including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite or coordination -- get him or her into the shade immediately. Lower a symptomatic dog's body temperature by providing water, applying a cold towel to the head and chest, or immersing the dog in tepid (not cold) water. Then call a veterinarian.
"Many people don't realize how quickly animals who are left in hot conditions can fall victim to the heat," saids PETA Casework Division Manager Martin Mersereau. "Every summer, our case files explode with tragedies that could have been prevented."
PETA makes the following suggestions:
- Keep dogs indoors. If they absolutely must stay outside, do not keep them outside during the hottest part of the day. Provide all-day shade, drinking water in a large tip-proof bowl, and a kiddie pool.
- Be a watchdog for outside dogs. Make sure that they have water and shelter. If you see a dog in distress, call the police. Give the dog immediate relief by providing water.
- Don't take your dog jogging, except on cool mornings or evenings. Rest often, and take plenty of water. Hot pavement can burn dogs' paws, so choose shady, grassy routes.
- If you see a dog in a parked car, take down the car's color, model, make, and license-plate number. If the car is in a store's parking lot, have the owner paged over the store's intercom; otherwise, call local humane authorities or police. Do not leave until the dog is safe.
- Don't carry your dog in the bed of a pickup truck. While this practice is always dangerous, heat brings the added danger that dogs' feet might be burned on hot metal.
Additional information can be found at HelpingAnimals.com.
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