Jamie Lampros, special report for the Standard-Examiner
The author’s cat, Casper, enjoys a supervised outing in the evening shade.
Do you need to quickly go to the grocery store and can leave your dog or cat in the car?
“Don’t do this,” said Dr. Eleanor Jenson, a veterinarian at Brookside Animal Hospital in Ogden. “Leave your pet at home rather than risk their health and life. I’ve seen animals left in cars overheat within seconds. Even if it seems cool outside to you, it can get hot very quickly in your car.”
According to the American Veterinary Association, hundreds of pets die each year from heat exhaustion because they are left in a hot car – even with the windows open or when the car is parked in the shade.
If the outside temperature is 21 degrees, the temperature inside the car can rise to 32 degrees in 10 minutes, 37 degrees in 20 minutes, and 40 degrees in 30 minutes. And the temperature continues to rise the longer the vehicle sits there. If the outside temperature is 32 degrees, the temperature inside the vehicle can rise to 42 degrees in 10 minutes, and 50 degrees in 30 minutes.
“If you see an animal left alone in a car, notify the store or other businesses of the situation. And if nothing is done, I think it’s appropriate to contact the police,” Jenson said.
Heat is not the only danger for animals travelling in vehicles. The AVA also states that allowing a pet to ride in the back of a truck is problematic as the animal could fall or jump out and be injured or killed on impact. It also advises against letting a dog hang its head out of the window as this increases the risk of injury from debris, airborne hazards or being thrown from the vehicle in the event of an accident or sudden braking. The same applies to leaving a cat lying on the dashboard while driving or allowing it to crawl unsecured onto the driver’s lap or even under the brakes.
In addition to the danger posed by the car, pets walking or running on hot asphalt can also cause injuries to their paw pads, Jenson said.
“It’s much hotter on asphalt than on concrete,” she said. “But if the temperature is between 35 and 38 degrees, I wouldn’t let them on the concrete either. Wait until it cools down before letting them out or taking them for a walk.”
Pets that live outside should also have access to fresh, cool water and shade at all times, Jenson said. And they need plenty of space in the yard where they can find shelter and cool off.
“It’s important to remember that certain breeds are more susceptible to heat stress,” Jenson said. “Bulldogs, pugs, Frenchies and Persian cats are among the breeds that aren’t as good at cooling down as others.”
Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include excessive panting, increased body temperature, drooling, convulsions, collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, disorientation, red gums, and small pinhead-sized dots on the skin, whites of the eyes, gums, and ears.
If you suspect your cat or dog is suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion, pet experts say you should move them to a cool place as soon as possible, such as a shaded area or an air-conditioned room. You can even place them in front of a fan.
Do not immerse the animal in ice-cold water, but place it in cold water or use a towel moistened with cold water and place it under the animal’s belly if possible. Owners can also moisten the animal’s paws with cold water or alcohol, but do not use cold water or ice.
“The most important thing is to cool them down and get them to the vet as quickly as possible,” Jenson said. “Time is of the essence to prevent permanent damage and even death.”
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