Never leave your dog in the car in the summer heat! In this article you will learn why this rule should never be broken.
Summer, warm weather, holidays – that’s both picnics in nature and trips to the beach. But for some dog owners, family trips end in tragedy. In an attempt to join in the fun, owners take their dogs with them, but it happens that in some places dogs are not allowed. In this situation, the decision to leave the dog in the car can have terrible consequences: the dog can suffer or even die from heatstroke. Heatstroke is very dangerous and all dog owners should be aware of it.
Heatstroke (heatstroke)
Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they use their breathing rather than sweating to cool their bodies. Excessive breathing can lead to a series of different disorders which, if not corrected, can cause shock, coma or death.
dog in danger
In hot weather, dogs can easily fall victim to heatstroke in a wide range of situations. In addition, some dog breeds are particularly vulnerable because of their long or dark coats, which are more heat absorbent. Dogs with flat muzzles, such as pugs and pekingese, are at additional risk, or if the dog is obese or has a heart condition.Heatstroke often occurs after intense training. However, the most common case is when a dog is left in a car in the heat.
A car as a greenhouse
Most people do not realise how quickly the temperature can rise inside a car in hot weather. The metal body instantly heats up from the sun and becomes like a greenhouse. If the windows are closed, the temperature rises even faster.
Closed windows, firstly, let the sun’s rays into the car, but do not let them out, creating a greenhouse effect. Secondly, it prevents the circulation of fresh air, which could reduce the temperatureIn warm and humid weather, the temperature in a car with the windows closed can rise by more than per minute. Rising at this rate, in a matter of minutes, becomes unbearable for a dog.
If there are clouds in the sky, if the car is in the shade, or if the windows are left open, the temperature rises a little longer. However, in hot weather there is always a risk of overheating. Even when the car is moving, it is important to ensure good air circulation, especially if the dog is in a hatchback, at the back of the vehicle.
What to do in this situation
A dog that has received a heatstroke becomes lethargic, struggles to breathe or even loses consciousness. The gums become dark red and the temperature rises. A dog in such a serious condition needs immediate veterinary attention.
Your first task is to use all the means at your disposal to bring the temperature down as quickly as possible. Pouring cold water or immersing the dog in an ice bath can sometimes save its life. In other cases, you can place ice cubes or cold wrap your food in a towel or cloth to protect your skin from ice burns.
Your quick action in the first few minutes is vital for your pet. Try to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible, don’t waste time trying to help him on his own. You can put cold things on the way to the clinic, but be careful not to overcool the dog. If in doubt, hold ice cubes or other cold objects for about 10 minutes.
Precautions
When the risk of heatstroke is high enough, it is best to leave the dog at home, where it will feel more comfortable. But if you do have to leave your dog in the car, take the following precautions. Park your car in the shade.
Take extra protection by putting a towel or blanket over the windscreen and other windows where the sun shines in. Leave the windows open enough to allow good air circulation. make sure the dog cannot jump out of the open window. Keep the dog out of reach pdrink a full bowl of drinking water. Never leave your dog for more than 10 minutes.