http://instagram.com/p/0L5ViQhu2L/
Don’t Leave Dogs in Cars
Today’s tip comes from Johnny Jet contributor Lindsay Taub (Twitter handle @lindsaytaub), who brings up an important point with temperatures rising (see her Instagram post above):

“As summer is approaching and temperatures are increasing (finally, for those on the east coast!), an important reminder to you pet owners and pet lovers as you head out on summer road trips or vacations:

Every year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car—even for “just a minute”—while they run an errand. Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs: On a 78ºF day, for example, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100º and 120º in just minutes, and on a 90º day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160º in less than ten minutes. Animals can suffer brain damage or even die from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

Please be responsible pet owners, and if you see a dog trapped inside a vehicle on a hot day, call your local animal welfare organization for assistance, or for a quicker response, try the local police. Laws vary by state, but in California, for example, there are fines for unsafely leaving a pet in an unattended car under Penal Code 597.7—and so the cops will come to the rescue!”

 

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3 Comments On "Travel Tip of the Day: Don't Leave Dogs in Cars"
  1. KLM|

    I see this all too much here in NC as well. I got these great info cards that I leave on the person’s vehicle (after I’ve made sure the dog is ok) Get them at: http://www.animalliberationfront.com/Practical/Pets/PetCare/Hot%20Car%20Flyer.htm

  2. Diane|

    I saw the same thing at my local Target. I came out to my car on a warm day and saw a little dog in an SUV parked next to my car. The SUV window was slightly cracked open but the interior of my car was very hot, so I knew it was the same for the SUV, and I sat there for a couple of minutes hoping the owner would return shortly. Finally, I took down the license plate model and make of the car and ran in to the store to find a manager, pleading with her to make an announcement. I returned to my car and sat and waited for the owner to arrive at her car. She came out, with two kids in tow, looking irritated. I got out and told her it was me who reported the situation, and tried to explain that the dog seemed distressed and the inside of the car was hot. She looked at me like I was the enemy, and claimed she was “only in the store for a few minutes”. I knew differently since I sat there for awhile before even reporting it to the store and waited a few more minutes after, at which time she finally returned to her car. I could sense from her resentment and attitude that this was likely to happen again and this made me so sad I got into my car and burst into tears as I drove away, crying for the future of that sweet little pup. Please, please care for your dogs like you would your children. That woman would never leave her child in a car with the windows cracked a hair, baking in the sun.

  3. AJ|

    I’m saddened that humans have domesticated dogs to a crippling point. This is not good for the future of their species. They are animals with survival animal instincts. Now let’s be clear… I’m all for being a responsible ‘pet’ owner! But the reality is, we should NOT treat our pets like our kids. Would you treat your pet pig like you would your own child? No, because they are built to withstand different situations and conditions. For example, dogs can walk on snow and ice with bare paws and are perfectly fine because their bodies are still able to flow warm blood back to their heart (fact check: http://bit.ly/1Pr1WbM). We on the other hand would suffer severe frostbite or lose our limbs all together. Any extreme condition is dangerous and we should take heed for us and our pets, but the reality is most pets are fine in a ventilated/shaded vehicle with cool water. Animals have some amazing adaptations that help them live in even the most hostile environments. This is one reason why we love them so much.

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