Heat Warning: Don’t leave pets unattended inside a car!

Possibly nowhere are dogs so endangered by the heat as when trapped inside a car. A study by Stanford University found that even on a mild 72-degree (Fahrenheit) day, the internal temperature of a car can skyrocket to a suffocating 116 degrees within an hour, even with windows cracked for ventilation. On an 85-degree day, a mere 10 minutes is necessary for the temperature inside a car to soar to 102 degrees, and 30 minutes for the thermometer to hit 120 degrees. A dog, for instance, can withstand an elevated body temperature for only a brief time before suffering nerve damage, heart problems, liver damage, brain damage, or even death.

Tails encourages you to download our heat warning below and keep a few copies with you this summer. If you see an animal left alone in a car, leave a copy of the flyer on the windshield. If it is an extremely hot day, and you see a dog who looks like he is in trouble, call 911 immediately and get help.

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Product Pick

Eco-Me Cat Kit
($28) Eco-Me.com

This do-it-yourself-kit contains everything you need to help your cat go green! Just add water, vinegar, and baking soda to the kit’s essential oil blend to create flea and bug spray and litter freshener without the nasty chemicals. There’s also a cookie cutter and recipe to make your own treats, as well as a natural burlap pillow. A dog kit is also available.