Hot dogs

The Humane Society is reminded people to keep their pets out of the car during warm weather.

Executive director Maryann Kleynendorst said while most owners think it’s only a matter of not leaving dogs in the car on hot days, no pet should have to suffer the cruelty and neglect of being stuck inside a car on a hot day.

“This would also apply to cats in any hot situations or horses in horse trailers. Any animal is susceptible,” she said.

Even a couple of minutes in a hot car can be a matter of life or death for a pet.

During a moderately warm temperature, like 25-degrees Celsius, the heat inside of a vehicle can reach temperatures of nearly 50C. Having water in the car for the pet is no excuse, Kleynendorst added.

“They’re in a great deal of distress and can result quite quickly in death,” she said. “How long would you want to sit in a hot car even with water? How long can you tolerate that?”

Heavy panting, diarrhea and lethargy are all signs of heat stroke for animals.

If they show any signs, Kleynendorst said it’s important to get them to a cool area as quick as possible and start to hydrate.

“You don’t’ want to plunge them into ice cold water, use tepid water or damp towels,” she said.

While there have no cases of people leaving pets in cars in the region, two animals have died so far this season in Ontario. Anyone caught leaving their pet in a vehicle can face a $60,000 fine, a lifetime ban on pet ownership and two years in prison.

“It’s a very serious neglect and cruelty issue,” Kleynendorst said.

“It’s taken very seriously.”

Kleynendorst encourages anyone who sees an animal in distress to contact police immediately.