This heat wave making Missouri miserable is a matter of life and death for our pets | Opinion
I would like to take this time to remind pet parents that leaving any animal in an uncooled vehicle during the summer heat is not only illegal in Missouri, but extremely dangerous, killing dozens of pets every year. This summer, the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Task Force has responded to dozens of calls from concerned residents across the state reporting dogs and cats being left in hot cars. Fortunately, all these animals have been recoverable and none have perished — but not animals all are so lucky.
It’s all too easy to underestimate just how rapidly temperatures can rise inside a parked vehicle. Even on relatively mild days, the interior of a car can become a veritable oven within minutes. Even with windows cracked, the interior temperature can soar to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, despite the outdoor temperature not seeming extreme. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to heat stress because of their limited ability to regulate body temperature through panting and sweating from their paw pads.
Heat stress in dogs can lead to a cascade of health problems, ranging from discomfort and lethargy to severe heatstroke, organ failure and even death. The signs of distress can manifest quickly and may include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of coordination. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can result in irreversible damage to vital organs, leaving lasting effects on your dog’s overall health.
It’s important for pet owners to remember the Humane Society of Missouri’s lifesaving motto: 70 degrees and over, don’t take Rover! Remember the following tips for keeping pets safe on hot, sunny days:
Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is near or above 70 degrees. The temperature inside a car can soar past 100 degrees very quickly and temperatures above 110 degrees can be fatal in minutes.
If your pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion, act immediately. Start by placing a cool, wet towel around their neck or pouring cool water over their body, especially on the abdomen and between the hind legs. After the immediate danger has passed, schedule a follow-up appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible for any lasting effects to their health.
Make sure outdoor pets always have access to shade and fresh clean water. Make sure the water is being kept in the shade and try to avoid using bowls made of metal, as they heat up much quicker than plastic or other alternatives. Take frequent water breaks if walking or jogging with your dog. If you leave your pets outdoors for an extended period, check to make sure they will have shaded areas all day. Asphalt and concrete heat up quickly. If it’s too hot to keep your hand on the pavement for 10 seconds, it is too hot for a dog’s paws.
Keep pets inside when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, or if the humidity is especially high. There will be days when the temperature skyrockets and it becomes too hot for pets to remain outside. Bring them indoors and keep them in a safe and secure place such as the basement, especially if your home is not air conditioned. Rising temperatures inside the home can be just as deadly as the outdoor heat.
If you see a distressed animal in an unattended car, act immediately. Call your local police and the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Cruelty Hotline at 314-647-4400 as soon as possible. A pet showing signs of distress, such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse needs immediate attention.
Your call could mean the difference between an animal’s death or survival.
Dr. Nicole Fulcher is the director of veterinary medicine at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America in St. Louis. She graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. She has been practicing veterinary medicine for 32 years. She has a background in animal rescue where she set up a wellness and spay/neuter surgery clinic to help more pets find their forever homes.
