BC SPCA warns life-threatening effects of dogs being left in hot cars

The BC SPCA is asking dog owners to take a No Hot Pets Pledge to help them keep pets safe this summer.

Updated: June 30, 2020

As the weather warms up, the BC SPCA are asking pet owners to take the No Hot Pets pledge

to never leave your pets in a hot car.

The animal welfare organization is calling on all dog owners to not only take the pledge, but to share with their online community to help create awareness of this important issue this summer. Earlier this year, the BC SPCA released a news article outlining the dangers of leaving your dog in a vehicle, even if only for a few hours and as temperatures are set to rise again, they are reminding pet owners to learn how to identify heatstroke in pets, as well as what to do if they see a dog in distress in a parked car.

The article explains how, while humans may believe we are doing our dogs a favour by bringing them on a car ride, life-threatening effects can occur in a very short period of time.

"Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly," explains the BC SPCA.

Also read: A new way to leave your dog in the car in the summer, you read that right

The article also states that the risk for heat exhaustion increases in senior pets and those with flatter faces.

"At the end of the day, it’s best to simply leave your dog at home where there’s more space, water and shade," the animal welfare organization advises.

The article goes on to explain how to recognize signs of heatstroke in your pet, as well as offering tips on what to do if you do find a dog that has been left alone in a car.

As the temperatures rise in Vancouver, they suggest keeping a kit in your car, including bottled water, a small bowl, a small battery-powered fan, and a towel that can be soaked in water, in case you do spot an animal in distress.

The BC SPCA are calling on all dog owners to take the No Hot Pets Pledge and to share with their online community to help create awareness on this important issue this summer.

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