The second day of record setting heat as summer begins may cause dog owners to think it's a good idea to bring Fido along.
But, the inside of the car heats up quickly, to levels that are dangerous for most dogs.
In a series of experiments, I left my car with a thermometer in it, in various places, in various conditions, to see how quickly it would heat up.
'I just ran into the store to buy one thing'
In the first experiment, I left the car with the windows shut, in a parking lot for an hour. It was 83 degrees outside. Inside the car, it was 108.
'But I parked in the shade'
Second, I parked the car in the shade at Town Hall, with the windows cracked. It was 81 degrees outside. In two minutes, the temperature inside the car had jumped to 86 degrees. In 10 minutes, it had climbed to 90 degrees.
While dogs have higher body temperatures than humans, the only way they can release heat is through their mouths and the pads of their paws.
Like people, different dogs can tolerate different levels of heat. Older dogs are more susceptible to heat stroke, as are dogs with short noses (pugs, Pekingeses, etc.), dogs with dark coats, and of course, dogs with thick coats. Also, dogs who are overweight or in poor general health.
Signs of heat stroke, according to msnbc.com are excessive panting or drooling, very fast breathing, a dark or bright red tongue or gums, staggering, or bloody diarrhea or vomiting.
Animal experts say the smart thing to do is to leave the dog at home, even if you don't have air conditioning. Leave plenty of water, and put on a fan if you have one.
There are other ways to help your pet stay cool at home. You can put ice in your pet's water. If your dogs are at all amenable, you can run a hose over them. The evaporating water will help them feel cool. Likewise, a cool, wet cloth wrapped or draped around their neck will help. You can freeze the bandana or cloth and put it on your dog just before you take him out walking.
Bycarrie jacobson
http://cheshire.patch.com/articles/its-too-hot-for-dogs-in-the-car
