GUELPH – The Guelph Humane Society (GHS) is once again reminding the community of the extreme danger of leaving a pet unattended in a vehicle this summer, and especially as we head into hotter weather.
Cars and other vehicles can reach a very high temperature quickly, leaving pets at severe risk and in some cases can cause a fatality.
GHS encourages pet owners to leave pets at home if there is even a small chance a pet will have to wait in the car.
Just a minimal amount of time in a hot environment can be life-threatening to pets.
Most pets have a limited ability to sweat.
Dogs cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws, which becomes impossible to do in a space as limiting as a hot car.
“Keeping pets safe in our community is a top priority for the Guelph Humane Society,” says Lisa Veit, Associate Director.
“With all the information available to the public about the risks to pets in hot vehicles, there really is no excuse for a pet to be left unattended in a life-threatening situation.”
Anyone who is found to have left a pet unattended in a hot vehicle will be charged under the City of Guelph Animal Control By-law Number (2016)-20122 or the Ontario SPCA Act for causing a situation where an animal is likely to be in distress.
The Guelph Humane Society will have a zero tolerance for hot pets this summer.
If an animal appears to have been left in a vehicle, it should be reported to the GHS immediately by calling 519-824-3091, and also reported to local police.
Here are the life-threatening signs a pet may be suffering with severe heat stroke in a vehicle:
– Excessive panting and drooling;
– Anxious or staring expression;
– Weakness and muscle tremors;
– Lack of coordination or consciousness;
– Lethargy, convulsions, vomiting and collapsing.
These symptoms can turn fatal in a matter of seconds, so do not wait to make the call to GHS.
The Guelph Humane Society is campaigning again this hot summer for #WarmHeartsCoolPets.
