This summer is really heating up, and for your pets, the rising temperatures can be downright dangerous. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road with your pet.
A recent study showed that when it’s just 72 degrees outside, the interior of a car can reach a whopping 91 degrees within 10 minutes.
That number goes up exponentially the hotter it gets. Once it hits 95 degrees outside, a car’s interior can reach more than 140 degrees in an hour.
And for anyone who says it’s safer if the windows are left cracked open, think again. Studies show it’s ineffective in keeping cars cool on hot day.
Translation? No amount of time is OK to leave your pets inside an unattended vehicle. Just a few minutes in a hot car can lead to dehydration, exhaustion and heat stroke.
If you see your pet in distress after being in hot conditions, get them into an air conditioned area and cool them off with water. Then get them straight to a vet.
The American Animal Hospital Association has a Trip Planner that lets you map out your route with listings of accredited vets along the way.
For more information, visit the Pet Travel archives.
Click here to read more travel tips.
