As summer temperatures rise, Helping Outside Animals wants to remind everyone about the serious danger of leaving animals in parked cars — even for just a few minutes.
🔥 How Hot is Too Hot?
Even on a mild 75°F (24°C) day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to over 100°F (38°C) in just 10 minutes. On hotter days, this happens even faster. Cracking a window or parking in the shade doesn’t make it safe. Pets can suffer from heatstroke, brain damage, or even die in this environment.
🐶 Why Pets Are at Higher Risk
Dogs and cats don’t sweat the way humans do. They cool themselves mainly by panting, which becomes ineffective when the air is too hot and humid. Heat builds up quickly in their bodies, and without relief, they can collapse or go into distress before you’re even back at the car.
⚠️ Symptoms of Heatstroke in Pets:
- Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy, confusion, or collapse
- Bright red or pale gums
🚫 “I’ll Be Right Back” Is Never Safe
Even a quick errand can turn deadly in the summer heat. Leaving your pet in the car while you run into the store, even for “just five minutes,” can have tragic consequences. It’s simply not worth the risk.
✅ What You Can Do:
- Leave pets at home during hot days unless absolutely necessary.
- If your pet must come along, make sure someone stays with them outside the car.
- Spread the word — remind friends and family about the danger.
- If you see an animal alone in a hot car, act fast:
- Call your local animal control or non-emergency police number.
- Note the car’s make, model, and license plate.
- Stay with the animal until help arrives.
💛 Animals Rely on Us
At Helping Outside Animals, we believe every small act of awareness can prevent suffering. Don’t let a moment of convenience become a life-threatening mistake. Let’s keep our pets safe, cool, and cared for this summer.
🐾 Stay safe,
The Helping Outside Animals Team
#NoHotPets #PetSafety #HelpingOutsideAnimals #SummerPetCare #HeatKillsPets
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