The Dangers of Hot Cars and Pets

It’s a warm summer day. You are running errands and have decided to let your furry friend join you on your afternoon excursion. Or, you are on your way home from taking your cat to the vet and decide to make a “quick” stop en route. But the places you are going don’t allow pets. That’s okay—you can simply leave them in the car, right? Not necessarily. Hot cars can prove deadly to pets. Here’s the scoop from your cat vet in Alexandria, VA.

It’s an Oven

It’s essential to remember how quickly a car’s interior can become too hot for a pet. While it may feel comfortable outside, the car can become an oven in no time. The temperature can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes, and it keeps getting hotter inside the longer the animal is trapped there. In just 20 minutes, the interior temperature can reach 125 degrees on a warm day. Even in exterior temperatures as low as 60 degrees, the car’s interior can reach fatal heights for your pet.

The Window Won’t Save Them

Don’t make the mistake of thinking a cracked window will provide sufficient cooling for your pet. Research has found that cracking open a window does not keep the car appreciably cooler. It doesn’t slow down the heating process, and it will not allow enough circulation to keep things cool enough for your pet.

It Shuts Them Down

The reason hot cars are so dangerous for your pet is their body’s response to the heat. If an animal’s body temperature reaches a point where it can no longer cool itself, its organs will start to shut down. This condition is called heatstroke. It will lead to coma or death. Due to this potential danger, it is important to avoid situations where the temperature can get so hot that your pets can’t keep cool.

Better Sad and Safe

It might be hard to resist your pet’s pleading eyes as you walk out the door without him, but remember, it’s for their own good. If you know you will have to leave them in the car alone, it’s better to leave them at home. They may seem sad to be left behind, but they will be much worse off in a hot car. Their life may depend on your saying no to that car ride.

Signs of Heatstroke

If your pet has been left in the car or outside on a hot day, they may suffer from heatstroke. Warning signs of this condition include drooling, nosebleeds, vomiting, lethargy, rapid panting, anxiety, muscle tremors, diarrhea and collapse. If you notice any of these signs, contact your cat vet in Alexandria, VA immediately.

Get More Tips

Would you like to find out more about keeping your furry friend safe? At Kingstowne Cat Clinic, we offer the expertise you need to provide top-level cat care. We offer wellness exams, surgery, dentistry, vaccinations, acupuncture and sedated grooming. Call today with any questions or concerns about your pet, or to schedule an appointment with your local cat vet in Alexandria, VA.

Categorised in: Cat Veterinarian

This post was written by Writer