It’s hot out! Do not leave your pet in the car! Even if the temperature outside is only 70 degrees, the inside of your car can reach 100 degree after 20 minutes. On an 85 degree day it only take 10 minutes for the inside of your car to reach 104 degrees. Within 30 minutes, the cars interior can climb from 85-120. Pets most at risk for overheating are young, elderly or overweight animals, those with short muzzles and those with thick or dark-colored coats. Dogs left in a hot car can suffer from heatstroke.
Some signs of heatstroke are:
- Rapid panting
- Bright red tongue
- Red or pale gums
- Thick, sticky saliva
- Depression
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Vomiting - sometimes with blood
- Diarrhea
- Shock
- Coma