Vancouver, Wash. ‒ During this week’s extreme temperatures, the best way to keep your dog safe and healthy is to leave him or her at home when you go out, even briefly, Clark County Animal Control and Protection reminds pet owners.

Dogs and cats have no sweat glands to cool them, so leaving a pet alone in a vehicle for even a short time can be life-threatening. Temperatures inside a car can reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit on a mildly warm day, even when the car is parked in the shade and the windows are open slightly.

As the temperature outside goes up, the temperature inside a vehicle becomes dangerous more and more quickly. Heatstroke can lead to brain damage or death in pets in as little as 15 minutes.

In hot weather, metal beds of pickups can be dangerously hot and burn the pads of your dog’s paws.

For your dog’s health and safety, leave him or her at home when you go shopping or run errands. Be sure to leave all pets in a secure location with plenty of drinking water and a shady or cool place to rest. And plan to take your dog for a walk in the cooler morning or evening temperatures.

If you see an animal that is not properly cared for, please call Animal Control at 564.397.2488.

For more information on pets in hot weather, go to
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat. 

CONTACT
Susan Anderson
Animal Protection and Control
564.397.4705
susan.anderson@clark.wa.gov