The Parked Car
Never leave pets or children in a parked car when potentially dangerous conditions are forecast- a parked car’s interior can reach over 120 degrees in less than 5 minutes, even with the window partially open, causing brain damage or death. This is important because conditions in our area change constantly, so a shady spot on a foggy day can quickly transition to direct, hot sunlight.Did you know?.......
that it is actually illegal to leave a pet in an unattended motor vehicle under “circumstances that could reasonably be expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the animal.” according to California Penal Code 597.7 (c) (1 – 5) which describes the rights of peace officers, humane officers, and animal control officers to break in and remove an animal from a motor vehicle in such situations.Now, it is understood that it is not always feasible to have your pet with you all the time, even in such a pet-friendly area as Monterey County. An example could be taking them to the beach and then running a few quick errands. Always try to ask yourself - "Is there any way that I don't have to leave them in the car?" (ie eating outside) or "Is this stop absolutely necessary?" (or could it wait?). If you do have to leave them in the car for a short amount of time, please try to be aware of that fact and do everything that you can to limit the risks of a hot car.
Animals Outdoors
- Ensure that there is access to shelter and ample fresh drinking water from a tip-proof bowl.
- Older and overweight pets (along with certain breeds) are more likely to overheat.
- Try to keep pets away from unfamiliar lawns, due to risks from pesticides and fertilizers
- Keep pets away from puddles of coolant. It attracts them because its sweet but very poisonous.
- Keep pets well groomed, but don’t shave them.
- Try to exercise pets in the early morning or evening.
- Asphalt, concrete, and truck beds can become very hot to the touch and paw pads can easily be burned on these surfaces.
The best summer advice is - When in doubt, leave pets indoors.
Thank you to the SPCA for the content of this post.
Be sure to visit our Disaster Preparedness for Pets page for ways to make sure your pet is safe no matter the situation at hand.
And as always, call The SPCA for Monterey County at 831-373-2631 with any specific questions or concerns, or any situations that you may encounter concerning animals in our community
