Experts stress dangers of leaving pets in cars
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – Pets can make for great travel companions. However, as the temperatures rise, experts want to remind you of the dangers that could happen when it comes to leaving your pet inside of a car.
Dr. Beth Brown says all it takes is a few minutes for the worst to happen.
“Unintentionally getting held up in a store could result in an ugly thing when you get back to the car,” said Brown, “It’s just not worth the risk”.
In extreme heat, pets rely on panting to keep cool.
“They have the insulative hair,” said Brown, “They’re trying to pant, and they’re just circulating hot air that keeps getting hotter and hotter”.
As the pet continues to be in extreme heat, the body temperature rises. More symptoms could also follow such as excessive salivation.
In severe cases, other symptoms like bleeding, diarrhea or collapsing could occur. The worst result could be brain damage, seizures or death.
If you notice your pet is showing symptoms of heat exhaustion, whether left in the car or outside, Brown suggests cooling them down slowly and gently with cool, or lukewarm, water.
“Put it slowly onto the paws,” said Brown, “Get up in their groin and armpit area, the back of their necks, try to cool down those pulse areas”.
However, the best solution is to avoid bringing your pet with you all together.
“Just leave your pet at home,” Brown said, “They’re going to be more comfortable on the couch, in the air conditioning”.
In the summer time, Chief John Plasse of the Terre Haute Police Department says they see an increase in calls about pets being left unattended in cars.
So what should you do if you see it?
Chief Plasse recommends calling the police first before attempting to break a window and rescuing a pet.
Plasse says owners who are caught leaving their animal unattended in a hot vehicle can be charged with neglect of an animal.