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On a pleasant 72 degree day,
your car can heat up 40 degrees or more in an hour …even with the windows cracked and inch. 80% of that is within the first 30 minutes.
Humidity will cause the temperature to rise even faster…parked in the sun, the interior temp can rise as much as 30 degrees per minute .
Dogs are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, only on their nose and feet, are inadequate for cooling
during hot days. Panting and drinking water helps but if they only have overheated
air to breathe, like in the car, dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes
|
Outside
Temp |
Inside
Car Temp |
Time
it takes to reach |
|
75 |
100 |
10 minutes |
|
75 |
120 |
30 minutes |
|
85 |
100 |
7-10 minutes |
|
85 |
120 |
30 minutes |
|
100 |
140 |
15 minutes |
Prevention:
·
Never leave your pet in a parked car on a hot day! Not even for a few minutes!
·
Outside, provide shade, ventilation, wading pool &
cool drinking water. Remember, the shade moves during the day.
·
Make sure water containers are always accessible &
large enough to supply plenty of cool water and secure enough so they can’t be turned over.
·
Crate only in wire crate with plenty of air space
around it. (and never right after playing or working---allow some time for your
pet to cool down first)
·
It’s ok to clip heavy coated dogs, but leave
at least 1 inch of coat for insulation and sunburn protection. Use sunscreen
on exposed areas.
· Do not exercise your dogs on hot days (75 degrees or more) Even though your dog may want to play, it would be smarter and safer
to take several short, gentle walks in the shade and cooler times of the
day or a swim if there is a safe place available. (Be aware of undertow, currents, toxic algae or pollutants)
Sources:
TX Dept of Family & Protective Services
Animal Protection Institute
HSUS
Helpinganimals.com
By MJ Hinchman 5/2008
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