The dog days of summer can be dangerous for dogs - especially those dogs left inside hot cars. Every year, countless dogs die after being locked in cars while their guardians work, visit, shop, or run other errands. These tragic deaths are entirely preventable.
The City of Sacramento, Animal Care Services reminds pet owners to keep their pets safe this summer. Prevent more pets from dying by not leaving your dog in the car when it is hot outside. Even with the windows cracked, if it is 84 degrees outside, the car can easily reach 100 degrees inside and continue to climb. It is against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle in a manner than endangers the health or safety of the animal.
If you plan on having your pet tag along with you while running errands or during your family vacation, follow these tips:
- Keep your pets at home during the summer months if they'll be going anywhere pets are not allowed.
- The dangerous five minute wait. During the summer, the weather is outrageously hot; the car can reach a temperature of 120˚, even in the shade. Animals cannot perspire, but expel heat through the pads on their feet or by panting. Pets left in the car even for a few minutes are prone to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or even death.
- Give your pet its space. Keeping your cat in a carrier with blankets or placing your dog in a crate or seatbelt harness can prevent any on the road accidents. If the animals are free to wander around the car, they are more liable to distract the driver or be thrown around if the driver swerves or suddenly brakes.
- Always be prepared on long trips. Keep dry foods and always have an extra jug of water. Be sure to make both accessible to your pet and feed it during its regular schedule.
- Take pit stops. When taking a trip with your pet, stop every two to three hours to allow your pet to stretch and go to the bathroom. If the drive is two hours, coax your pet by taking it out or placing fresh litter in the litter box before you leave.
- Get involved. If you see a pet in a parked car during a summer day, enlist the help of an Animal Control Officer, call the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services at 916/264-5011(from any phone) or dial 311 (within City limits). Share this information with others and keep a look out for pets that are in parked cars. For more information, please log on to www.SacPetSearch.com.
