Never leave your pet in a hot car

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Contact for reporters:
Mary Guiden
(970) 491-6892
[email protected]

Download a graphic created by CSU that shows how quickly heat rises in a hot car: https://col.st/RQguS

A pet should never be left in a vehicle in the sun, even if the temperature is mild and the windows are open. Heatstroke can cause organ failure and death. The CSU James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital has already seen three cases of dogs left in hot cars this spring. Thanks to quick veterinary care, all three dogs survived.

In a matter of minutes, a dog may become overheated while exercising, playing or just by being left in the heat with no water or shade. Heat exhaustion can quickly become a life-threatening heatstroke.

Always provide access to fresh water and shade – especially in the heat of the day.

Obesity and pre-existing medical conditions put pets at much higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Puppies, elderly dog, and dogs with dark-colored or long-haired coats are more at risk, and flat-faced breeds, including bulldogs and pugs, are more susceptible to overheating.

If you are concerned about a pet (or person) that is locked in a hot car, contact your local law enforcement. The Colorado legislature passed a law in 2017 that provides immunity from prosecutions for civilians who break into a locked vehicle to rescue a dog, cat, or at-risk person.

The CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is open 24/7 for emergencies, 300 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, (970) 297-5000.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1560377533613{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 15px !important;padding-left: 20px !important;background-color: #f5f5f5 !important;}”]

What to do if an animal is suffering from heatstroke

• Move the animal to shade or a cooler environment
• Provide cool, fresh drinking water
• Cool the pet down with water or covered ice packs on the belly only
• Do not force-feed water if the pet cannot drink freely on its own
• Do not submerge the pet, this may cause further harm when temperature regulation is impaired
• Do not cover, crate, or otherwise confine the pet
• Even if your pet is responding well to cooling treatments, it is imperative that you contact (and go to) an emergency veterinarian

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