Keeping Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather
Back to Dean Vicker's Pet Tips
If your dogs are like mine, they think there is nothing better then a nice ride in the car on a hot summer day, or a cool evening, or a…lets’ face it, some dogs just love to go on car trips. It doesn’t matter where to, they just want to be close to their family. However, if the car trip is to run errands, even quick stops, it is best to leave your dog safely at home where it is cool rather than risk his life in a parked car. When left in a parked car, even for short periods of time, pets are susceptible to heat stroke, brain damage and death.
If you are just looking to take your dog(s) out for a joyride, that is one thing, but if you do need to run errands that will mean your dog will remain in the parked car, it is best to leave him or her at home. Here are some of the reasons why:
Temperatures rise quickly in parked car
Even days that seem mild to humans may be extremely treacherous for our canine companions. On a warm day, with the temperature at an acceptable 88 degrees, the temperature in a parked car can reach 103 degrees. As Ohio’s summer temperatures begin to soar, when the outside temperature is 100 degrees, the temperature inside the car, even with the windows partially rolled down, can be as high as 120º, in a matter of minutes. Because dogs’ only method for cooling off are panting and sweating through their paws, they can succumb to high temperatures in very short periods of time.
Cracking the window does not cool the car down
In the vast majority of deaths, pet owners probably believe they are taking the necessary precautions, such as parking in a shady area, cracking the window or leaving the car’s air conditioning running. Unfortunately, these methods have all proven ineffective in keeping temperatures at safe levels.
Every year, dogs suffer an agonizing death after being left in hot cars. The most tragic aspect of these deaths is that they are completely preventable.
Jogging and outdoor exercise
Many of us enjoy the companionship of our dogs while we exercise, and in most cases, the reverse is true as well. As the weather begins to warm, we are able to adjust the clothing we wear. Dogs do not have that luxury. They are, essentially, still jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version of it) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through their foot pads. Humans, as we all know, sweat a great deal more and are able to cool themselves at a faster rate. Many dogs will continue running to stay up with their owner, at whatever personal cost. It is best to change your routine to early morning or late evening to help prevent heat stroke.
Signs of a heat stroke
On hot days, or after exercise, watch for excessive panting, dark or bright red tongue and gums, staggering, seizures, vomiting, bloody diarrhea. Keep in mind also that dogs with heavier coats, such as Chow Chows and Collies, as well as darker fur colors are at a greater risk for heat stroke.
If you suspect heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately. Use cool water, not ice water, to cool down your dog. Ice water or extremely cold water will cause constriction of the blood vessels and impede the cooling down process.) Even if you get your dog cooled down and he appears fine, do not assume that he is out of danger. Get him to a veterinarian, extreme temperature can affect internal organs.
Have fun, stay cool and stay safe!
written by Dean Vickers
Dean Vickers is the Ohio State Director for The Humane Society of the United States. He can be reached at
dvickers@hsus.org or by calling 614-607-7139.
