Even in the Yukon temperatures can get hot, the readings you see in the weather report are SHADE TEMPERATURES. A thermometer left lying in direct sunlight can read several degrees above that temperature. So, even if the weather report isn't too warm the heat in the sun can be much hotter.
Why this little science lesson? Dogs in cars. We've all seen it, a dog in a car with windows cracked slightly to let a breath of air into the vehicle. Maybe five minutes in the shade, not a problem. Longer or any time in direct sunlight, you have a problem. Let's take a look at some figures, the temperature in the sunshine is 29C, in ten minutes the temperature can climb to 39C. In half an hour it could reach 49 degrees celsius! A car acts the same way as a greenhouse and traps heat inside even if the windows are open an inch or two.
Dogs have a lower heat tolerance than humans and can suffer severe damage to the central nervous system, heart and liver in a very short time.
Don't believe me? Try this test, park your car in the sunshine. Crack one or two windows so they are open about an inch. Sit in your car, wearing a sweater and do not drink water. Time how long it takes you to get so uncomfortable you have to leave the car. Now think about how a dog would feel after the same time.
What can you do if you see a dog in distress? First, try to find the dog's owner. If you're in the parking lot of a large store then there's a good chance that the owner is inside and can be paged. If you can't find the owner then contact the police or the local animal cruelty officer. Do the same if the owner refuses to help. Many places have laws regarding dogs in hot cars and even if your area doesn't then animal cruelty laws will still apply. Remember to call the authorities rather than do anything yourself, that way you are not responsible for any damage to the car.
A dog cannot let itself out of the car, it cannot call 911. If you see a dog in a car on a hot day that looks in distress, don't walk on by. Help the dog, whatever you need to do.
In Whitehorse you can call us at the shelter, 633-6019. Also you can contact the City's Bylaw Officers at 668-8382 or 334-1084.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment