When is a Minute Ever a Minute?
Did you know that it takes just one minute for a pet who has been left alone in a hot vehicle to start feeling the effects of the increased temperature?
We have all heard the phrase, “I’ll be back in a minute”, but, are you really back in a minute? The answer to that question is often no! That minute can quickly become five minutes, ten and even more. We know you love your pets and want them with you as much as possible, but please love them enough to leave them at home where they are calm, cool and comfortable.
By doing a little experiment of our own, we found that within a very short time the body begins to feel the effects of the extreme heat. Almost immediately, the body began to perspire to cool itself down. Breathing becomes labored, difficult and almost burns when inhaled.
Within seconds, everything became quiet and still inside the vehicle, the only thing our test subject, Constable Michelle Vivian, could hear was the loud pounding of her heart. “I could feel the panic start even though I knew that I could reach the door handle and exit the vehicle whenever I wanted to”, said Michelle. Considering the fact that dogs can’t sweat or regulate their temperature by removing their extra layers of fur, opening a window or actually getting out of the vehicle, they are completely dependent on their care givers for relief.
In circumstances like these, time is of the essence. If you are walking through a parking lot and see a pet left in a vehicle, do your best to locate the owner. If you can’t find the owner and you see that the animal is showing obvious signs of distress, now is the time to call 911.
We ask that you take the time to make the right decision, and please leave your pets at home, or make other safe arrangements for them.
