Unleashed: What would you do if you saw a dog in a hot car?

A newly released poll by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) revealed good intentions don’t always equal action when it comes to rescuing dogs in parked cars on hot days.

In a nationwide telephone survey, 93% of adults who have never encountered a dog in a car on a hot day said they would do something to help. But, of those adults who actually faced such a situation, only 67% took action.

“Taking decisive action when you see a dog left in a hot car is critical during these warm months,” says Louise Murray, vice president of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. “There is a startling gap between those who state they would act and those who actually did something when faced with the reality of a dog at risk. Closing that gap and taking action could mean the difference between life and death for these animals.”

Additional findings from the survey showed:

• 51% of those who saw or heard a dog in a hot car made attempts to look for the owner, making it the most common action taken. This was also the top action survey participants said they would take in a hypothetical situation (65%).
• 24% said they made attempts to rescue the dog themselves.
• 23% called the police.
• Women were much more likely than men to have taken an action (75% versus 58%) when seeing a dog in a hot car.

Even though the Fall equinox is September 22, Louisiana temperatures will remain high, so the danger of leaving pets in cars persists until late in the year. On an 85-degree day, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a car to reach 102 degrees—even when windows are cracked open. Within 30 minutes, the interior temperature can reach a staggering 120 degrees. Unable to control their body temperature in these extremes, dogs can quickly overheat and suffer extensive organ damage, heatstroke and suffocation, which can all be fatal.

If not you, then who will take action to save this dog? That’s the question to ask when you happen upon an animal confined in a car.

After deciding to take action, the first step is to locate the dog’s owner or contact local law enforcement immediately. Then, the ASPCA advises to remain on scene until help arrives, so that care can be given quickly and efficiently. The national non-profit also urges all pet owners to leave their animals at home when running errands, to avoid exposing animals to lethal temperatures in unattended cars.

While at home, pets should always have unrestricted access to cool areas—ideally those with air conditioning—with plenty of fresh drinking water. If you suspect your pet is overheating, contact your veterinarian right away.

Jasper is a one-and-a-half year-old Malti-poo (Maltese/poodle mix). Jasper was rescued from a local shelter. He is good with other dogs and cats. Since he might accidentally knock down very, young children, he is best suited to a family with older kids or a household with only adults. This cutie won’t be available long, so hurry and fill out an application if you’re interested in adopting him.

 

Johnnie Girl is a five-month-old female with a beautiful tuxedo coat. Johnnie Girl was dumped at a camp in a very rural area. Luckily, a Rescue Me volunteer happened to be at the camp and saved her. When she was found, Johnnie Girl was starving and had a huge wolf worm in her neck (which is why she has no hair in her picture). She has been successful treated and is now a happy, healthy kitten ready to find a forever home.

Angel is a three-year-old female schnauzer. When her previous owners moved, they left her behind. Angel wants a family who will never abandon her again. Angel is best suited to a home without children. She is a bit shy with new people; but once she warms up, she is a love.

 

Delta is a four-year-old female tabby. Delta acquired her name from one of her foster’s favorite airplane because the kitty was living at an airport. Delta is good with cats, dogs and children.

 

Horton is a five-year-old male yellow lab mix. His previous owners dumped him by the side of the road. From there, he wandered into a vet office parking lot. One of the vet’s clients recognized him and mentioned they had seen people with him by the side of the road earlier that morning. Horton gets along well with female dogs of any size but does not like large male dogs. He also has Horner’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder of the eye and facial muscles. The condition results in small pupil size and droopy upper eyelid. However, it does not require any treatment and has not slowed Horton down one bit.

 

Franky blu is a two-year-old male flame-point Siamese. Franky blu was dumped at a camp in a very rural area. Luckily, a Rescue Me volunteer happened to be at the camp and saved him. When he was found, he was malnourished and weak. Now, this beautiful, blue-eyed boy has recovered completely is ready for a new home.

All these pets have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated and litterbox trained. Many other adoptable dogs, puppies, cats and kittens are available from Rescue Me Animal Welfare Society. For more information, visit rescuemeanimalwelfare.org.