Hot Car, Hot Dog
Dear Editor,
Well seems it is time for our annual letter to the editor about using common sense to care for our canine companions in the summer months. Ugh. Why is it necessary? We wish we knew! So here we go!
Leaving your dog in a parked car on a lovely summer day. Sigh. The first question would be “why do you insist on loading your dog in the car only to leave him abandoned in the car?” Truly, even though your dog loves you, staying home with his favorite chew toy in an air-conditioned environment would be not only more comfortable but far safer. Let’s play DID YOU KNOW? *
In 15 minutes your dog can suffer brain damage or die of heatstroke in a hot car
When outside temperature is 79 degrees, the inside of the car will be at least 20 degrees hotter
On an 85-degree day the inside temperature of your car will reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes
Yes, even though the windows are “cracked!”
If you witness a dog in distress as noted above, call 911 immediately. It is against the law to leave your animal in a car in these conditions. Note the car color and make and model, and license plate. Officers are trained to rescue dogs (and people!) left alone is such dire circumstances. Noblesville and Hamilton County have passed legislation which addresses the legal obligations of pet owners.
Moving on to walking your dog on hot pavement. News flash – if the pavement is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your dog! If the air temperature is 77 degrees, the pavement will be at least 125 degrees; if air temperature is 86 degrees, the pavement will be at least 135 degrees. If you must walk your dog on pavement, choose the early morning hours before the pavement heats up.
Although many people believe that their dogs just love attending outdoor concerts, it is usually more about “look at my cool dog” than what is best for the dog. Humans can hear sounds between 20-20,000 Hz and dogs can hear noises twice as high, even up to 55,000 Hz. With this in mind, think twice about taking your dog to that outdoor concert, Fourth of July celebration, or any other event where the noise could be unbearable. Dogs can, and do, suffer damage to their ears and hearing just as humans can.
Dogs are not “things” – they are not accessories, or toys. Hopefully your dog is a treasured member of your family; loved, respected, and cared for. Let’s make sure their summer will be as enjoyable as our own.
*All statistics used here were obtained from the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States.
Bruce and Sharon McMahon
Noblesville