Hot Weather Safety Tips
A recent newspaper article from May 14 reported that a dog from
Bensalem, PA died after being left in a parked car. The outside
temperature was 83 degrees. The temperature inside the car was
estimated at more than 100 degrees (See http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-
dyn/articlePrint.cfm?id=)9985).
Animals can suffer and die when left inside parked cars, even on
mildly warm days. Animals can succumb to heatstroke in just 15
minutes.
Leaving pets in cars also exposes them to theft.
If you see an animal left alone in a car, write down the car's color,
model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged inside
the store, or call local humane authorities or police. Do whatever is
necessary to get the animal out of the car—his or her life may depend
on it.
If your pet is exposed to high temperatures:
{Source: The HSUS Cautions Motorists that Leaving Pets in a Parked
Car Can Have Tragic Consequences, http://www.hsus.org/ace/19292,
Reprinted for educational purposes only
Copyright © 2004 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights
reserved.}
• Be alert for signs of heat stress—heavy panting, glazed eyes, a
rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red
or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature
immediately.
o Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all
over her body to gradually lower her temperature.
o Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet's head, neck and chest
only.
o Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
• Finally, take your pet directly to a veterinarian—it could save her
life.
If you must take your pet with you in your car, do so safely. Cats
should ride in pet carriers and dogs should ride in travel crates or
be on a leash. When a pet travels, she should wear two ID tags—one
with a home address and one with a destination address.
Contact your local news (television, radio, and print) and request
that they remind the public about the dangers for companion animals
during hot weather.
United States Media Guide: http://congress.org/stickers/?
dir==congressorg&media==1
Related Information:
Hot Car Warnings Strive To Save Lives
http://www.hsus2.org/sheltering/magazine/currentissue/may_jun99/frontl
ines_hotcar.html
Hot Weather Tips For Your Pets
http://www.extension.umn.edu/info-u/pets/BB483.html
Dogs & Cats Hot Weather Tips
http://www.animed.org/dogs_and_cats_hot_weather_tips.htm
Precautions & Seasonal Hot Weather Tips
http://www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=8
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group May 17, 2004