“DOG DEHYDRATED AFTER SITTING IN HOT CAR” – “DOG EXPLODED IN HOT CAR – LOSE LIFE” – “DOG DEAD IN HOT CAR” … have you seen such headlines in the newspaper on a hot summer day?
Does it suck in the stomach? How on earth do dogs lose their lives in hot cars every year?
There is no single answer to that, but when you read the story, a pattern emerges. In most cases, it is completely behind the dog owner that it could go so wrong. It’s not easy to understand either – you are only just away for a short time! The problem is just that the temperature in a car rises extremely fast if it is standing in the sun.
Just look at these numbers from the Swedish Kennel Club
| Time | Temperature outside | Weather | Temperature in the car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08.30 a.m. | 14͘º | Shadow | 19º |
| 09.30 a.m. | 18º | Shadow | 38º |
| 10.30 a.m. | 20º | Mixed | 47º |
| 11.30 a.m. | 20º | Sol | 57º |
| 12.00 noon | 23º | Sol | 62º |
| At 13.30 | 22º | Sol | 85º |
It’s actually creepy to get numbers put on. It’s going really fast!
So think about it if you have to leave your dogs in the car on a summer day.
IF THE DOG IS IN THE CAR
If you are absolutely forced to leave your dog in the car on a hot day, then you should take the following reservations:
- Park in the shade (remember the sun moves)
- Open several windows in the car so that there is draft
- Give your dog a bowl of fresh cold water
- Put your mobile number in the windscreen so that passers-by can reach you if they see that your dog is uncomfortable
- Make your errand as short as possible at all
IF YOU SEE A Distressed DOG IN A HOT CAR
If you see a dog in a hot car, then you should observe the situation. It is not uncommon for the dog to throat when it is hot. And that does not necessarily mean that it is dehydrating. Otherwise, you should do the following:
- Observe the dog
- Try to find the owner. If it is in front of a supermarket, you can e.g. ask the staff of the supermarket to call for the owner
- Contact the police
- Hit the window of the car and get the dog out
HOW TO HELP A DEHYDRATED DOG
A dog that is about to dehydrate may be dizzy, confused, dry in the mouth, etc. If you want to help it, you can do the following:
- Put the dog in the shade or in a cool place
- Give it fresh cold water
- Wrap it in a cool, damp cloth – especially around the paws and around the head
- Contact a veterinarian and have the dog cared for
(Beware of cooling down too fast. This can cause the blood vessels to constrict and you actually achieve the opposite effect)
THE GOOD ADVICE
Avoid leaving your dog in the car on a hot day. It feels much better at home – even when it’s alone.
