As heat returns, so does threat to dogs left in cars

With the hottest temperatures so far this year fast approaching, the Humane Society of Central Oregon offered tips Tuesday on keeping your pet safe in the heat — namely, not in your car, dangerous even if “just for a few minutes” with the windows cracked.

“With temperatures expected to reach near 100 degrees by the end of the week, the best spot for your pet is inside a safe, cool house,” the agency said. “Dogs and cats cannot cool their body temperatures as efficiently as humans.

If your pet is outside during the day,remember to provide protection from thesunand plenty of fresh water. Remember that older, short muzzle and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather. You can provide a wading pool to aid in cooling.

Leaving your pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake.The temperature inside a car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Even partially open windows won’t protect your pet from heatstroke.

Exercise your dog in the morning or evening, when temperatures and pavement are cool. The paw pads can get injured from the hot pavement and melted tar can get stuck to pad and hair. Pets need exercise but do it in the cooler hours of the day. Press your hand on pavement for 10 seconds, and if it’s not tolerable for you, it’s too hot for your pets.

Dogs in truck beds can suffer injury or heat stroke.Veterinarians know all too well dogs that have fallen out of the truck bed which resulted in severely injured dogs or motor vehicle accidents from people swerving to avoid the dog. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be on the hot metal. Debris from the road damages eyes.

“Every year, the Humane Society of Central Oregon warns people to keep their pets safe from the dangers of warm temperatures,” says Lynne Ouchida, community outreach manager.

“Unfortunately, every year we hear of animals needlessly suffering from heat stroke. When summer heat hits, the City of Bend animal control receive four to eight calls per day regarding dogs left in hot cars.”

The Humane Society of Central Oregon has posters available for businesses and car windshield flyers that educate people on the dangers of leaving pets in hot cars. The educational flyers list the warning signs of a pet suffering from heat exhaustion or stroke.

The Humane Society of Central Oregon is located one mile south of Reed Market Road on 27 th Street in Bend. The shelter is openMondaythroughFriday10:00 am to 5:30 pm andSaturday10:00 am to 5:30 pm. For more information call the Humane Society of Central Oregon at541.382.3537or visitwww.hsco.org.