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Even ten minutes could be too long for a pet left in the car on a hot day. By then the temperature inside the car could reach 160 degrees. Anything over 110 degrees is enough to cause a dog to suffer heat stroke. Within moments it could sustain permanent brain damage. If emergency care is not given your pet could die.
An animal has adaptive mechanisms to help it adjust to changing temperatures. but if the temperature rises too quickly these mechanisms are unable to help the animal cope with the heat. As the animal over-heats the high body temperature increases the metabolic rate until it can no longer deliver sufficient oxygen to the tissues.
Lactic acid and other metabolic acids accumulating in body tissue then start to depress the animal's metabolism and eventually the animal is unable to utilize available energy and central nervous system disorders begin to occur. If the high body temperature is not reduced. the animal may develop fluid accumulating on the brain. which causes swelling and further damage to nerve tissues.
Heat stroke develops rapidly. Symptoms of heat exhaustion or stroke include: rapid panting, the animal's tongue gets larger and wider creating a larger surface area from which evaporation and resulting cooling can occur, the tongue becomes a deep red or purple color, warm dry skin, muscular twitches, a dazed look, glazed eyes, dizziness, vomiting, staring or anxious expression, failure to respond to commands, agitated or irregular behavior, extreme high fever, rapid heartbeat and collapse.
At temperatures above 110 degrees damage to the tissues of the respiratory tract, especially the tissues of the nasal passageway will occur. No matter how effective the animal's natural defenses are, they will rapidly weaken if there is no relief from rising temperatures and a lack of freely circulating air.
Remember too, the sun moves and a vehicle which was originally parked in the shade may be partially or totally in the sun after only a brief period of time.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring prompt veterinary attention to help ensure complete recovery.
The short stop you plan to make at the store could stretch to 15 minutes or more before you know it. Your mistake could cost your dog its life. Leaving the windows cracked won't cool the car enough to protect your pet.
Of course your dog would like to go with you everywhere, but when the weather turns warm, better park your pet at home.
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