Keep Your Dog Safe in the Summer Heat

Dogs

The summer months can be uncomfortable and possibly dangerous for both pets and people. While it’s fun to be out in the sun forgetting the winter blues, rising temperatures and humidity don’t just make things sticky, they can lead to tragic results for your dog.

As this summer warms up, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog cool.

Here are some tips and insights to help with summer heat safety for your dog.

How hot a car gets in the summer and how quickly

It’s fun to take your dog on the road in the summer, and few things are as enjoyable as watching them enjoy the wind on their face. But when you make a stop, but even a few minutes alone in the car on a hot day can be fatal.

It’s not uncommon for people to crack their car windows a bit and run into a coffee shop or store. But the danger starts as soon as you walk away.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, a car on a warm day with the windows cracked can reach 85º F degrees in ten minutes, and 102º F in 20 minutes. After 30 minutes, the inside temperature is at least 120º F degrees which is more than enough to kill any pet or child.

Note that puppies and short-muzzled dogs like Boxers, senior dogs, dogs with heart, lung or airway disease are much more susceptible.