We always hear warnings about how dangerous hot cars are for animals when they are left inside.
For example, when the outside temperature is 24 degrees, after 10 minutes, the inside of your car can heat up to 34 degrees. After 30 minutes, it’s a sweltering 43.
On a hot day like today, when it’s 32 outside, after 10 minutes, the inside of your car can reach 43 and get up to 51 within 30 minutes.
In Nova Scotia, if you leave your pet in a vehicle in conditions that cause distress, you can be fined $697.50
The Nova Scotia SPCA offers these tips:
If you see an animal in distress in a parked vehicle, here are the steps to take:
- Assess the situation. Signs that a pet may be in distress from overheating include exaggerated panting, rapid breathing, drooling, dark pink gums, lack of coordination, inability to get up, vomiting, convulsions or collapse.
- Note relevant information:
- vehicle’s description – make, model, license plate, color, exact location
- pet’s description – species, size, color, breed (if known).
- Try to locate the owner first. Ask the nearest stores/businesses to make an announcement for the owner to return to their car.
- If you cannot find the owner and the animal is in distress, call your local police or RCMP and stay at the vehicle until police arrive.
- File a report with the Nova Scotia SPCA online here or by calling 1-888-703-7722
What should you NOT do?
- Do not break the windows. While you understandably may have the urge to smash the window to free the distressed pet, you could be liable for damages. Only the RCMP, local police and the Nova Scotia SPCA have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress.
- Do not consider air conditioning or the windows cracked open as an option. This is not a guaranteed safe solution since pets have died as a result of a malfunctioning system (not to mention being stolen along with the car).
It’s not just the inside of vehicles that can pose a risk. Imagine walking around/doing physical activity in the heat with a fur coat on. No fun.
Heat stoke is a concern not only for humans but animals too. When the temperture reaches 32 degrees or higher, heat stroke becomes a major concern for dogs, regardless of their size or breed.
Signs of heat stroke in dogs include:
- excessive panting
- drooling
- reddened gums
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- mental dullness or loss of consciousness
- uncoordinated movement
- collapse