PET OWNERS ARE URGED TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT LEAVING THEIR ANIMALS IN THE CAR ON HOT DAYS. DOGS AND CATS DO NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO SWEAT, AND MUST CONSTANTLY EXERT RAPID BREATHING TO COOL DOWN. THE HEAT INSIDE OF A VEHICLE CAN RISE VERY FAST, EVEN WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. AN EXAMPLE OF HOW ENCLOSED HEAT WORKS IN A CAR IS TO CONSIDER THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS 85 DEGREES ; THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE CAR CAN CLIMB TO 120 DEGREES IN ONE HALF AN HOUR!! PUT YOUR PET’S WATER IN DEEP CONTAINERS IN ORDER FOR IT TO STAY COOL LONGER. HOWEVER, THE SAFEST BET IS TO LEAVE YOUR CAT OR DOG AT HOME IN THIS WEATHER.
FOR MORE TIPS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH AVOIDING HEAT STROKE IN ANIMALS, VISIT www.spcasc.org, OR CALL SANTA CRUZ SPCA AT 831-465-5000.
