It’s Like Cooking Him From the Inside Out.

07 Jun It’s Like Cooking Him From the Inside Out.

FOR  IMMEDIATE RELEASE

When the Weather Heats up, Dogs Suffer and Die in Hot Cars Like They Were Being Cooked in a Microwave Oven. But It’s 100% Preventable!

SACRAMENTO, CA – Every year, when the weather heats up, countless dogs die from exposure to the heat of being left inside parked cars while their owners shop, visit, or run other errands. But these tragic deaths are entirely preventable.

The excuses we hear as to why people leave their dog in the car are the same year after year. But the sad truth is that none of these excuses help prevent a dog from suffering and even dying in a hot car.

“But I was only in the store for a few minutes.”
Running into the store for 10 minutes is an unlikely reality. What you’re looking for is not quickly found, lines in the check out are long or you run into an acquaintance and chat or stop to investigate a store item or sale. And minutes matter! Even 10 minutes for a dog locked in a hot car can have tragic consequences on a hot day.

“But I cracked the windows.”
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), leaving windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the rising heat rate in a parked car.

“But I parked in the shade.”
While you may slow the speed of the heat increasing in the car a little bit, it does not stop it from rising and a car parked in the shade and can still turn into a deadly oven. Additionally shade “moves” – a car parked in the shade can be in full sun in no time.

“But it wasn’t that hot.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, outside temperatures in the 60s can still cause a car temperature to rise well above 110 degrees (43 Celsius) and this can be life threatening to your dog, who can’t sweat or handle the heat like humans can. The Greenhouse Effect is what’s responsible for heating up a car even on a so-called warm day.

“But I left water in the car.”
Drinking water does not prevent a dog from going into heatstroke in a hot car. Not only that, but there’s no guarantee the animal will even drink the water (which will also become too hot) or not spill it.

“But I left the engine running.”
Sadly this excuse can be found as part of the stories of dogs who died in hot cars – including K9 animals left in police vehicles with the engine running. Like dogs, cars can overheat, shutting off the A/C or worse, blowing hot air into the car, cooking the dog faster. There have also been a few incidents of cars being stolen, with the dog still in it!

“The reason My Dog is Cool exists,” says Top Dog, Sharie Lesniak. “Is to dismiss these excuses and convince people not to take chances with their animal’s well being. Many times the perception is that you’re a good dog parent when you take your animal for a ride in the car. And while that may be true for dogs that like to go for rides, the key is when you park the car – don’t park the dog!”
And if dispelling the common excuses doesn’t help people see the light – there’s always the law. Not only do 15 states have laws about leaving your dog unattended in a hot car, even if a person leaves their dog in a hot car where there is no law, they can still get cited for animal cruelty.
Rather than excuses, here are some cool things you can do when taking your dog along.

Call ahead.
Many restaurants and pubs with outside dining allow dogs on the patio. And more and more stores, like pet-supply stores, Home Depots and even banks and dry cleaners allow you to bring your dog inside. Just call ahead to be sure.

Drop your dog off.
If you’ve taken your dog for a hike or to the dog park and want to pick up a few things from the grocery store on your way home – drop your dog off at home first before you go to the market.

Bring a friend.
Your friend or family member can stay outside with your dog under the nearest tree while you run into the store.

Leave your dog home.
If there is any doubt, don’t take the chance! Just leave your dog home where they’ll be safe.
And check out the new www.MyDogIsCool.com website, a unique tool to help keep dogs cool during the 2015 hot-car season!

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The mission of My Dog is Cool is to save dogs from dying in hot cars by keeping them cool.

My Dog is Cool works through education and awareness, providing tools and materials so that people can alert their community to the dangers of hot cars. This includes working with individuals as well as shelters, rescue groups, police and retail establishments. We also don’t want people to miss out on all the fun that comes with having a dog and taking them places – so we keep it cool – and urge others to do the same.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sharie Lesniak, Top Dog 
(916) 549-8090 sharie@mydogiscool.com