Next time you hurry out the door to run errands and your dog gives you puppy dog eyes hoping to tag along, remember you are keeping them healthy and possibly saving their life by leaving them at home.
Leaving a dog in a parked car for any period of time is unacceptable.
The temperature inside a parked car can climb 19 degrees in less than 10 minutes, exceeding the temperature outside of the vehicle. Dogs control most of their body temperature by panting, and when a dog becomes very hot, panting won’t stop them from overheating, dehydrating, developing heatstroke, or even dying. Parking in the shade or leaving the windows down won’t prevent your dog from dying in a hot car.
Leaving your dog at home is a form of love.
Residents who come across a pet in a hot car should call Mesa County Animal Services at 970-242-4646. Even if the dog appears well, it can deteriorate quickly, so take action immediately.
