hot cars and pets,, go read!!!!

NOT THAT ANY OF ANIMAL LOVERS WOULD EVER DO THIS,, BUT,,,,,, ITS A GOOD ARTICLE TO PASS ALONG!!
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On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 90 degrees, while the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach 160 degrees in minutes.

DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS.

Every year as the mercury rises, we receive reports of animals in parked cars in distress. Pet owners - we know you love your dog and want him with you, and that you only stopped "for a minute" to run an errand... but the sad reality is that hundreds of owners return from their errands each year to find their devoted companion dead or dying.

PLEASE, protect your companion by learning the facts about dogs and heat... and spread the word. It could mean the difference between life and death for an animal this summer.

The temperature inside a parked vehicle can double in a matter of minutes. A dog left inside a vehicle can die within minutes as they are not able to sweat to cool themselves. A dog panting inside a car will raise the temperature even more quickly.
Leaving the windows down does little to slow this process.
Learn the signs of heat exhaustion — restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
If your dog shows any of these symptoms, get him or her to shade or air conditioning right away.
Lower body temperature gradually by providing water to drink or ice cream to lick, applying a cold towel to the head, neck, and chest, or immersing the dog in cool (not cold) water. Do not use ice, as this can constrict blood flow.
Call your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY..
If you see a dog in danger, try to have the dog’s
guardian paged inside the store, call the police or the SPCA. Unfortunately, however, NS SPCA Investigators and Police Officers can only break into a vehicle if the animal inside is clearly distressed or might become distressed and urgent action is required. So try to find the owner as quickly as you can.

If you're used to letting your dog accompany you on errands, you might feel guilty leaving him behind on hot summer days. But your dog will be much happier - and safer - at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water!

DOWNLOAD this cool flyer about hot cars from the BC SPCA - and help keep our pets safe this summer!