Thursday, May 11, 2023 | By: Kim Yanick Portraits
As summer approaches, temperatures rise, and the dangers of leaving your furry friend in a parked car become more apparent. Dogs, like humans, can suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal and leaving your dog in a parked car, even with the windows cracked, can quickly lead to overheating, dehydration, and at worst death. Also note, not all dogs over heat at the same rate, those short cute pudgy faced pups go from cool to hot in an instant.. so be aware. We all want to be responsible dog owners, so it is crucial to be know of the risks of hot weather and take the necessary precautions to keep your fur family safe.
How to keep your dog safe in a car in hot weather
If you need to take your dog with you in the car during hot weather, here are some tips to keep them safe:
For more Tips on caring for your fur friends during hot weather in general check out BC SPCA at spca.bc.ca.
What to do if you see a dog in a car:
If you come across a dog in a parked car on a hot day, there are a few steps you can take to help:
Check the car's temperature: Before you take any action, check the car's temperature - some people will park and have air con on inside for their comfort, however if it is hot and the dog appears to be in distress, take action immediately.
Notify authorities: Call local animal control, police, or the BC SPCA helpline at 1-855-622-7722. You may need to provide them with the car's make, model, and licence plate number. Stay on the scene to monitor the dog's condition until help arrives.
Try to find the owner: If the car is parked in a public place, try to locate the owner. If you cannot find the owner or they do not respond, wait for the authorities to arrive.
Signs of heatstroke:
What to do: