If it's hot, your pet may be in trouble! During warm weather pet guardians must take precautions against the danger of heat exhaustion and heatstroke for their pets. The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with the windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill your pet.

Dogs (and cats) cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws. On summer days the air and upholstery in your vehicle can heat up to high temperatures that make it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Your dog will be more comfortable if left at home.

Symptoms of heatstroke

• Exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting);

• rapid or erratic pulse;

• salivation;

• anxious or staring expression;

• weakness and muscle tremors;

• lack of coordination;

• tongue and lips red (which may eventually turn bluish in colour);

• convulsions or vomiting;

• collapse, coma and death.

Emergency treatment for dogs

If your dog shows symptoms of heatstroke follow these instructions:

• 

  Immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place.

• Wet the dog with cool water.

• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This process will cool the blood, which reduces the dog's core temperature.

• Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow which will inhibit cooling.

• Allow the dog to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available).

• Take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment.

Veterinarians may apply supportive measures such as intravenous fluids to rehydrate the animal and oxygen to prevent brain damage. 

Dogs in hot cars resources

The following documents are available to help you raise awareness and educate others on this all too common danger.

• Download the BC SPCA Dogs in Hot Cars information poster

• Download the BC SPCA Dogs in Hot Cars information brochure