In The News
Dog’s Death Provides Warning to Pet Owners
Humane Society of Missouri advises never to leave a pet in a car when the temperature is over 70 degrees
August 15, 2006 - Yesterday, Humane Society officials were called to the campus of St. Louis Community College at Forest Park to retrieve an eight-month-old Sharpei found dead in a closed car. The temperature inside the car was measured at 104 degrees. The dog had been in the car at least two hours and had wedged itself under the car’s accelerator. A necropsy (animal autopsy) of the dog showed that the dog died as a result of the extreme heat. The Humane Society of Missouri warns pet owners that the recent, somewhat cooler summer temperatures can still be deadly for pets, particularly those left in closed automobiles.
“Pet owners must understand that it is very dangerous to leave a dog in a closed car, even for just a few minutes,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Even on somewhat cooler, cloudy days, the temperature in a closed car can reach more than 100 degrees in less than five minutes.”
“Heat negatively affects pets much quicker than humans,” according to Dr. Donald Bridges, director of Veterinary Medical Centers for the Humane Society of Missouri. “Since panting is a dog’s main avenue to dissipate body heat, it is imperative that they be able to immediately move away from hot situations.”
Pet owners should also be aware that it is illegal to allow an animal to be harmed in this way. Once the investigation is complete, the Humane Society will refer the case of the Sharpei to the office of the St. Louis City prosecutor.
To keep pets safe and cool during the summer the Humane Society advises:
- When the outside temperature exceeds 70 degrees, never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open. The temperature in your car can exceed 100 degrees in minutes. This can result in serious injury or death of your pet. On hot days, leave your dog at home.
- When the weather is dangerously hot, bring your pets inside.
- Be certain outdoor pets have access to fresh, clean water and shade at all times.
- Secure plastic water bowls, never metal, to the ground so your pet can't accidentally tip it over. You can dig a small round hole and place the water bowl inside.
- If your pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, lethargic behavior), right away begin treatment by applying cold water to your pet's extremities. See your veterinarian immediately!
- If you run or jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks for yourself and your dog. Remember that asphalt and concrete get hot quickly. You have rubber soles on your feet-- your dog does not.
To report an animal in heat-related jeopardy, please call the Humane Society of Missouri at
(314) 647-4400. For information on how to care for your pets during the summer months, click here.
For last year's news stories, click here. For information on previous rescues,
read our Rescue Diaries.
