Hot Cars Kill Pets!
 The inside of a car can heat up to 110 degrees in 10
minutes on an 80 degree day - even with the windows slightly open. Your
pet will suffer needlessly and could die when left in your car even
on a moderately hot day.
And consider this: causing an animal to be subjected
to unnecessary cruelty or suffering is illegal in Massachusetts and
is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to
$1,000.
Heat Stress
Symptoms:
- Danger signals to watch for in a dog or cat: heavy panting, rapid
breathing, staggering, weakness
- When breathing suddenly becomes quiet with any of these symptoms,
the animal may collapse.
- A heat-stricken animal can die in minutes, but proper care may save
its life.
Treatment:
- Immediately bring the animal to a shady spot
- Slowly cool the animal by placing it in cool, NOT cold, water.
Reduce body heat gradually.
- Apply ice packs to the head and neck.
- Take the distressed pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Treatment
for dehydration and other serious problems will be necessary.
Intervention:
If you see an animal locked in a car on a hot day:
- Locate the owner as quickly as possible. If the car is parked at
a store, ask a sore employee to page the owner.
- If the owner cannot be found quickly, call the police to free the
animal from the car. Take first-aid measures noted above.
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