BC heat wave prompts another warning about leaving animals inside vehicles

It’s the first official week of summer and British Columbia is locked in a heat wave.

With most of the province pushing past 30°C this week and some parts expected to hit 40°C, it has prompted the BC SPCA to issue a reminder about the dangers of leaving pets in parked vehicles.

While it’s a message that really shouldn’t have to be issued multiple times a year, the BC SPCA says it responded to more than 800 calls about animals in distress in hot cars last year.

“We can’t stress strongly enough how dangerous it is to leave your pet in a hot car,” said Lorie Chortyk, Gm of communications for the BC SPCA.

“The temperature in a parked car, even in the shade with windows partially open, can rapidly reach a level that can seriously harm or even kill a pet.”

Chortyk explained that dogs have no sweat glands and can only cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws.

“Dogs cannot withstand high temperatures for long periods, particularly older pets and brachycephalic breeds such as pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers and others with compressed faces,” she explained.

Every summer, BC SPCA officers are called out to the worst case situations, where a beloved pet is in critical distress or has died after being left in a hot car.

“It is a completely preventable tragedy for both the poor animal and their distraught guardian,” added Chortyk.

The BC SPCA is urging pet guardians to leave their animals at home when running errands on a hot day.

“If you will need to leave them in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes, don’t take them,” said a statement from the organization.

“Your dog will be much happier – and safer – at home, with shade and plenty of fresh cool water.”

Anyone who sees an animal showing signs of heatstroke or other distress should call the BC SPCA Call Centre (1-855-622-7722) during business hours, or contact the local animal control agency, RCMP or police.

The organization also offered up a number of tips and information on what to do if you find yourself in that type of situation:

What to do if you see a dog in distress in a parked vehicle:

• Note the license plate and vehicle information and ask managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to their vehicle immediately.
• If an animal is clearly in distress, call to report the situation to the BC SPCA, animal control or a law enforcement agency. Note: It is illegal for members of the public to break a window to access the vehicle themselves - only the RCMP, police and special provincial constables of the BC SPCA can lawfully enter a vehicle.
• Be an advocate! Help spread the word that pets and hot vehicles are a dangerous mix.

Symptoms of heatstroke in pets:

• Exaggerated panting (or the sudden stopping of panting)
• Rapid or erratic pulse
• Salivation
• Anxious or staring expression
• Weakness and muscle tremors
• Lack of coordination, convulsions
• Vomiting
• Collapse

If your pet shows symptoms of heatstroke:

• Immediately move the animal to a cool, shady place
• Wet the dog with cool water
• Fan vigorously to promote evaporation. This will cool the blood, which reduces the animal’s core temperature
• Do not apply ice. This constricts blood flow, which will inhibit cooling.
• Allow the animal to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available)
• Take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment