DAP Warns Of the Dangers Of Leaving Pups In Vehicles

Heat is rising, temperatures are climbing, and it’s the perfect time for the Denver Animal Protection (DAP) to remind Denver drivers not to leave their beloved family pets alone in vehicles. 

Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit in just a matter of minutes. Even with temperatures that are mild and windows open, the heat inside a car can raise. In just minutes, DAP wants residents to know that a dog can suffer life-threatening heatstroke which can cause organ failure and/or death. 

Dogs will not sweat like humans, instead, they sweat small amounts through their paws and nose, but not enough to release excess body heat. They release heat primarily through panting, exchanging the hot air for cool. Without the ability to expel hear, their internal body temperature begins to rise. 

According to the DAP, obesity and pre-existing medical conditions put pets at a much higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Puppies, elderly, long-haired, dark-haired, and flat-faced dogs are also more at risk for overheating.

Since, the beginning of 2020, DAP has received 150 calls of dogs left inside vehicles during extreme temperatures.

If you suspect an animal is suffering from heatstroke, there are actions you can take! Move the animal to a cooler and shady area, cool the pet down with water or ice packs on their stomach only, offer cool drinking water but refrain from forcing the animal to drink, do not submerge the pet in water, and don’t cover, crate, or confine the pet. Even if the animal response to these cooling recommendations, it’s critical, according to the DAP, to take the animal to an emergency veterinarian.

If you are concerned about a pet locked in a hot car, call 311 and familiarize yourself with the Good Samaritan law. The state offers legal immunity for those who break into a locked vehicle to rescue a dog, cat, or an at-risk person. And those who leave their pet in an overheated car could be ticketed for animal cruelty, a fine of up to $999 and/or 300 days in jail.

So keep your pet babies hydrated and avoid leaving them in vehicles in order to ensure a healthy and happy animal!