by KYW's Nan Talleno
With the early and unexpected heat that we’re experiencing this spring, many people may be caught off guard when it comes to your pets’ car safety. This is usually an issue reserved for summer’s intense heat. But keep in mind that regardless of the season, whenever the temperature rises, the car can become a very dangerous place for your pet.
The soaring temperature inside a parked car on even just a warm day can kill a pet in a matter of minutes. It’s deceptive to think that any open windows can help. Consider this: studies have proven that even when the temperature is a comfortable 72 degrees, the temperature inside your car can soar to 108 degrees in just minutes and will continue to rise. And that's with the windows open and the car parked in the shade. Imagine how much more intense the temperature climbs on an 80 or 90 degree day!
On hot days, extremely dangerous temperatures can be reached within just minutes of closing the car doors, even if the windows are cracked and if the air conditioning had been previously running. Results are serious and can range from convulsions, to coma and death.
If you suspect that your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, contact your veterinarian immediately. Never leave your pets alone in a parked car on a warm or hot day. Leave them home as you run your errands in warm weather.
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