In central Texas, the sun is shining, the temperature is rising and summer is rapidly approaching. Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, it continues to get hotter sooner, especially down south.
While taking your pup for a ride may seem like fun idea to get him or her out of the house, make sure you do not leave your dog in the car for any period of time during these heated seasons. Avoid taking risks when it comes to heat. Keep your pet out of an unattended parked car.
It’s Getting Hot In There
A car’s temperature will rise approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit in one hour. In a study published by the journal Pediatrics, researchers found that vehicles heat up rapidly, with the majority of the temperature rise occurring within the first 15 to 30 minutes. They also noted that leaving the windows open slightly does not significantly slow the heating process or decrease the maximum temperature attained.
The average high temperatures in San Antonio in the coming months are as follows:
May – 86 F
June – 91.4 F
July – 94.6 F
Symptoms of canine hyperthermia / heat stroke include
- Panting
- Excessive drooling
- Increased body temperature
- Rapid heart rate
- Shock
- Sudden breathing distress
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Wobbly, uncoordinated or drunken gait or movement (ataxia)
- Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened
If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately.
If you are a local or transplant Texan, you know that late spring and summer become horrendously hot. Don’t expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him in a car, even for “just a minute.” If you are running an errand, simply leave your pet at home. Animals can suffer brain damage in just 15 minutes if left unattended in a hot car.
For Peta’s “Hot Dogs in Cars Leaflet,” click here.
The health, safety and well being of your dog are the top priorities for the staff of Pawderosa Ranch. With our expertise, we are able to provide top-notch care anytime puppy parents are away. Check out our services, or swing by the ranch for a tour.
Sources
http://www.sanantonioedf.com/living/climate/
https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/leaving-pet-parked-car-deadly/
http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_heat_stroke
http://www.peta.org/issues/companion-animal-issues/cruel-practices/dog-hot-car/
