As the temperature finally rises (Yes, here in Sintra Summer arrived late), so do the dangers of dogs being left in over-heating cars. To think of it – a car is a bit like a greenhouse – it absorbs the heat and creates an 'oven effect'.

Most pawrents are of course aware that leaving our dogs in a car can lead to serious health problems or even DEATH. Even on a mild Summer day it does not take long for the temperature in a car to reach dangerous levels. The following chart below shows the temperatures inside a car in a study conducted at the San Francisco State University.

The study also showed, that even with an opened window or a parking spot in a shaded area, it did not have much reduction on the heat effect. What are the dangers? HEAT-STROKE! Dogs have a limited ability to sweat so the effects of a warm car are even worst for our fur-families. This means a dog can overheat in a relative short time and go into a health-distress quickly. Simply put – a warm vehicle can create a potentially lethal environment in no time. So please pawrents BE AWARE. We might think – ‘OH, just 5 minutes’ and then there is a delay and 5 minutes have turned 25 minutes and our dogs are suffering already.

Signs of a heatstroke

• Listlessness
• Excessive panting
• Restlessness
• Dog appears distressed

What to do if your dog is suffering from heatstroke

• Move to a cooler area and if available direct a fan on him/her (even the AC/AIR unit of the car could do the trick)
• Try to cool the body by placing cold, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in in the groin area
• Wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water
• Head to the vet as soon as possible

• Do not force your dog to drink water, but have it available if he/she are thirsty
• Do not overcool your dog
• Do not leave your fur-child alone, be there to make sure he/she is ok

Wooofies, from sunny Sintra. Your Cooka and Aline