We all know that summer usually doesn't show up in Wisconsin until about...now. Summer can be a GREAT time to interact with your pet! But bringing your best friend along on road trips, even to the grocery store, can be deadly.
Many have seen the demonstrations on TV. On a typical summer day a reporter parks his car in the sun, cracks the windows an inch or 2, and sets a thermometer inside to watch the dramatic rise in temperature. Amazingly (or maybe not since we've seen this a lot), the inside of the car goes from warm to toasty to downright dangerous within minutes - less time than it takes to get that gallon of milk or bottle of soda.
Imagine being stuck inside the car. Without car keys. Or thumbs.
Keep in mind, I don't advise that you actually do this, but you might get an idea of what your pet is going through alone in your car in the summer heat by bundling up as though you were going out in one of our great snowstorms from this past winter (don't forget the wool socks). Then, sit in your car in the sun, with the windows cracked about 3 inches. When you start sweating, remember that dogs and cats don't sweat like we do, so do some panting. Bark intermittently if you like. And jump from seat to seat hoping someone will notice. Had enough yet?
Hot cars kill pets.
If you see an animal in distress in a parking lot this summer, don't be afraid to help. Go into the store and ask the management to page the owner. Call us at HAWS or the police in the area for assistance.
If you don't have to, don't take your pet along in the car, either. With gas prices (and safety) being what they are, no longer can we leave the car running with the A/C on while doing errands. Your pet will be more comfortable in your home, near a bowl of water.
And a nice fan.
By the way - it bears repeating: Its fireworks season. Keep the safety and mental well-being of your pet in mind while the shows are going! Pets should be safely inside - and try turning the TV or radio on to help deaden the outside noise for them. Then, reward them for their bravery with a nice picnic and walk in the park. Have a great July 4th holiday!
