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Don91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t break a window: BC SPCA outlines how best to handle a dog left in a hot car

Signs of heatstroke and how to help your pets during heat waves

Sunshine in the forecast for B.C. begs the reminder, don91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t leave dogs in hot cars.

While the province urged residents to stay safe and noted the rising temperatures won91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t hit heat dome status this week 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ the dangers to those left in hot cars remain.

A short time in a hot car can cause harmful and life-threatening effects. Dogs can91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly, the BC SPCA reminded.

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While most people mean well, the BC SPCA strongly recommended not breaking a window if a dog is left inside a vehicle. Legally, only police and BC SPCA special constables have the authority to enter a vehicle to help a pet in distress.

Breaking a window risks harming the dog and puts the prospective Good Samaritan at risk. What folks can do, is keep a kit in the car that includes bottled water, a small bowl, a small battery-powered fan, and a towel that can be soaked in water.

If there is a window slightly open, hydrate the animal while awaiting an emergency response.

Even leaving the car with the air conditioning running isn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t recommended by the BC SPCA as it can stop working.

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If a dog is showing clear signs of distress, promptly call local animal control, police, or the BC SPCA helpline at 1-855-622-7722.

Signs of heatstroke:

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Exaggerated panting or the sudden stopping of panting

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Rapid or erratic pulse

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Salivation, anxious or staring expression

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Weakness and muscle tremors or lack of coordination

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Convulsions or vomiting, and collapse

What to do:

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Move your pet to a cool, shady place

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Wet the animal with cool water

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Do not apply ice as this will constrict blood flow and discourage cooling

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Fan your pet to promote evaporation. This cools the blood, helping to reduce the animal91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s core temperature

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Allow your pet to drink some cool water (or to lick ice cream if no water is available)

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible for further treatment

BC SPCA also offers tips on caring for pets during hot weather in general online at



christine.vanreeuwyk@blackpress.ca

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About the Author: Oak Bay News Staff

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