Each summer animal welfare agencies receive many emergency calls to rescue dogs whose lives are endangered because they are left in hot cars. Many well-meaning guardians leave their pets in parked vehicles while they run errands, thinking they will be safe for a short period. Tragically, in hot weather their pets can suffer serious heatstroke and die in a matter of minutes.

鈥淚f you do see an animal in a vehicle and are concerned for its safety, please call 911,鈥� said 91原创 RCMP Cpl. Craig van Herk. 鈥淒o not attempt to enter the vehicle.鈥�

The police make it a priority to respond as quickly as possible, but would rather see the problem addressed through education and prevention before an animal is put in a potentially fatal situation.

Each time an officer is dispatched to rescue an animal in a parked car, it stretches resources required for other emergency calls, he noted.

It only takes minutes

The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with windows partly open, can rapidly reach a level that will seriously harm or even kill a pet. In just minutes, the temperature in a parked car can climb to well over 38掳 Celsius (100掳 Fahrenheit).

Dogs have no sweat glands, so they cool themselves by panting and by releasing heat through their paws.

On summer days the hot air and upholstery in a vehicle can make it impossible for pets to cool themselves. Dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a very short time 鈥� usually just 15 to 20 minutes 鈥� before suffering irreparable internal organ and brain damage or death.

Pets will be much happier 鈥� and safer 鈥� at home, with shade and plenty of fresh, cool water.

Those who must travel with your pets need to keep them cool.

What to do if you see a dog in distress in a parked vehicle:

鈥� Note the licence plate and vehicle information, and ask managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately;

鈥� Call to report the hot dog in car situation if no owner is found or when animal is suffering symptoms of heatstroke. During daytime, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., call the nearest animal welfare group and in an emergency, call 911 for RCMP attendance.

Note: It is illegal for members of the public to break a window to access the vehicle themselves. Only RCMP and Special Provincial Constables of the BC SPCA can lawfully enter a vehicle to access an animal in distress. SPCA branch staff and volunteers and other animal welfare organizations cannot enter vehicles.

Symptoms of heatstroke in pets:

鈥� Exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting)

鈥� Rapid or erratic pulse

鈥� Salivation

鈥� Anxious or staring expression

鈥� Weakness and muscle tremors

鈥� Lack of coordination, convulsions

鈥� Vomiting

鈥� Collapse

Treatment:

鈥�Immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place

鈥� Wet the dogs with cool water

鈥� Fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This will cool the blood, which reduces the animal鈥檚 core temperature

鈥� Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow, which will inhibit cooling.

鈥� Allow the animal to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available)

鈥� Take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment

(鈥� With files from the Kelowna RCMP)

鈥� READ MORE: Four dogs in Nanaimo die of heat stroke in 2021 heat

鈥� READ MORE: BC SPCA receives hundreds of calls annually about pets in vehicles

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