Community Corner

How Hot is Too Hot for a Dog in the Car? This Hot

Leave the dogs at home, advise Hillsborough County Animal Services staff.

If you think you're doing your dog a favor by bringing him with you on hot summer days, think again.

The inside of the car heats up more quickly than you think, to levels that are dangerous for most dogs.

In a series of experiments over the course of the week, I left the car, with the thermometer in it, in various places, in various conditions, to see how quickly it would heat up.

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'I just ran into the store to buy one thing'

In the first experiment, I left the car with the windows shut in a shopping center parking lot for an hour. It was 83 degrees outside. Inside the car, it was 108.

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'But I parked in the shade'

Second, I parked the car in the shade, with the windows cracked. It was 81 degrees outside. In two minutes, the temperature inside the car had jumped to 86 degrees. In 10 minutes, it had climbed to 90 degrees.

'But the windows were cracked open'

Third, I parked the car with the windows cracked. It was 83 degrees and overcast.

After five minutes, the temperature had climbed to 86 degrees.

In 10 minutes, the temperature inside the car was 90 degrees.

In 30 minutes, even with the clouds, and the windows open, the temperature inside the car had hit 100 degrees.

After an hour, the temperature outside had climbed to 94 degrees, and the temperature inside the car was 110.

WHILE DOGS HAVE higher body temperatures than we do, the only way they can release heat is through their mouths and the pads of their paws.

Like people, different dogs can tolerate different levels of heat. Older dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke, as are dogs with short noses (pugs, Pekingeses, etc.), dogs with dark coats and, of course, dogs with thick coats. Also, dogs who are overweight or in poor general health.

Hillsborough County Animal Services says the smart thing to do is to leave the dog inside your home on these hot summer days with plenty of water on hand.  

As with children, local and state statutes forbid leaving animals inside vehicles -- even with windows cracked or during evening hours. Violators risk both civil and criminal penalties.  

Citizens who witness animal cruelty or see a pet confined inside a vehicle should notify law enforcement or Hillsborough County Animal Services immediately. For more information, call 813-744-5660 or log on www.hillsboroughcounty.org/animalservices

Also avoid leaving pets outdoors for an extended period of time during summer's swelter.

Just like people, pets can suffer heatstroke at any hour of the day -- even in the shade.
  
According to a press release from Hillsborough County Animal Services, many pet owners fail to recognize the signs of distress and heatstroke. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, disorientation and seizures. It is not uncommon for an animal in heatstroke to refuse water.
 
While Florida felines are also at risk, dogs are the more likely to suffer heatstroke due to their activity level, breed characteristics and modes of confinement.  

Like humans, pets suffering from heatstroke require immediate first-aid:
1. Lower the body temperature by submerging in cool (not icy) water, or by running a hose over its body.
2. Cool the head and neck areas first.
3. Place the victim in an air-conditioned space.
4. Do not attempt to force a heatstroke victim to drink water.
5. Seek immediate medical attention and evaluation for any victim of heatstroke.
 
It is best to keep the family veterinarian’s phone number handy at all times.
 
There are ways to help your pet stay cool at home. Many pets enjoy the breeze from a fan. You can put ice in your pet's water. If your dog is at all amenable, you can run a hose over him or her or fill a child's pool with water for his to splash around in. The evaporating water will help him feel cool. Likewise, a cool, wet cloth wrapped or draped around his neck will help. If you have your act together, you can freeze the bandana or cloth and put it on your dog just before you take him out walking.


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