Warning-Leaving Your Pet in a Parked Car Can Be a Deadly Mistake

On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 160 in a matter of minutes, even with partially opened windows.

With only hot air to breathe, your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke.

Be alert for the signs of heat stress: Heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, dizziness, vomiting, deep red or purple tongue.

If your pet gets overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately!
  Get him into shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over his body. Apply ice packs or cold towels only to head, neck and chest Let him drink small amounts of cool water, or lick ice cubes or ice cream. Get your pet to a veterinarian right away - it could save his life Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures.

On hot days, your pet is safer at home!

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal control agency or police department immediately!

You don't just expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him/her in a car: thousands of pets are stolen each year from unattended cars.

Taking your pet for a ride may seem like fun, but many pets prefer to spend time with you in the comfort and safety of home. Explore activities that you and your pet can share at home and avoid taking risks by leaving your pet in the car.

If you must take your pet with you on a car trip, do so safely: Cats should ride in pet carriers and dogs should be secured in dog harnesses. When a pet travels, he/she should wear two ID tags - one for a home address and one for a destination address.