July 12, 2024. Over the past month, animal clinics and shelters have been dealing with pets suffering from heat exhaustion or worse after being left in hot cars.
What You Need to Know
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Wake County Animal Center has seen multiple cases of heat stroke in dogs over the past month
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The heat affects some breeds of dogs more than others
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Vets say don’t leave your dog in the car if it’s over 70 degrees outside
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Take walks with your pets in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler
“It’s actually really frustrating and disheartening to have as many cases as we’ve had this early in the summer of dogs being left in hot cars, dogs paws being burned on hot asphalt,” said Meagan Frost, community outreach manager at Wake County Animal Center.
Frost loves animals and said she often worries about them during the summer heat.
“I don’t know if it’s people just not taking the heat seriously,” Frost said. “But these heartbreaking stories of animals being left in situations that are out of their control and are in situations that you would think are just such a no brainer that people shouldn’t be doing.”
Frost said it’s something that could be easily prevented.
“We have to make sure we have room for these animals,” Frost said. “And in the summer, when we’re already bursting at the seams with animal intake, this creates an even bigger critical situation for us.”
Veterinarian Jennifer Federico said some breeds, such as bulldogs, pugs or huskies, are more sensitive to heat than others.
“We don’t ever want to see an animal suffering,” Federico said. “They’re like children. They can’t open the door and get out of the car themselves. They can’t knock on the window and trying to get someone’s attention.”
If it’s over 70 degrees outside, a car can heat up too quickly in the sun for your pet.
“I know we all want our pets to go everywhere, but this is not the time of year if you’re not going someplace that you can take your pet inside with you,” Federico said. “It’s never five minutes at Walmart, you know? So don’t even take that risk.”
Frost said if you see something, say something. If there’s a dog in a car with the windows up, panting with no water, call the police or animal control.
“The biggest thing is just use your common sense,” Frost said. “And if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet.”
There are many other ways to protect your dog from the summer heat, especially when they’re outside.
If you can’t leave your hand on the pavement for 30 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog and it can burn their paws. Take shorter walks in the early morning or late evening, and make sure your pet has plenty of water, shade and rest.
