Brown Dog Blog

While it is NEVER a good idea to leave your dog in a car unattended, it is never more important than during the blistering heat of mid summer. Some owners think it will be safe if they leave the car running with the air conditioner on. Beside the fact that this is no longer environmentally responsible and expensive to say the least considering the current gas prices, it is SUPER dangerous.

Last summer we were outside out local Stop &Shop and noticed a beautiful Black Lab in a locked car with the air conditioning running. We were in the store for only a couple of moments to pick up ice. When we came out we noticed that the car was no longer running and the dog was still locked in there. We quickly ran into the Stop & Shop and had the store manager page the owner of the car. I do not want to imagine what would have happened to that dog if we had not been there for him.

If your dog spends time outdoors during the summer months please make sure that he or she has access to plenty of cool, fresh water and a place in the shade. And remember, if you are too uncomfortable to be outside and are enjoying a cool air conditioned house. Then it is probably too hot for your dog to be outside as well!

Here are some sign to watch for if your dog has been out in the heat:

1. Drooling
2. Rapid Panting
3. Lack of coordination or confusion
4. Top of the head hot to the touch

These are extrememly dangerous signs and immediate treatment is needed.

• Get your dog to a cool environment immediately
• Get your dog into a cool bath or run cool water over your dog with a garden hose.
• Once you have done this, keep your dog cool with ice packs and cool compresses while your transport him or her to the nearest vet or emergency care center.
• Remember this is a life threatening emergency for your dog. Act quickly.

When it comes to your dog and summer heat the steps you can take to keep your dog safe are preventative!

For further instruction with full diagrams, please visit this site: