Dogs and cars

There are times when it is right to take your pets with you, such as when you need to take them to the vet or if they have to visit the groomer, however, a conscientious pet owner will know to make those the only stops during a trip with their pet.

Every day well meaning owners will take their beloved pets along when they run errands, not realizing that even at a mere 78 degrees the temperature inside a car parked in the shade can exceed 90 degrees. Can't find shade? The internal temperature of that car can hit 160 degrees.

The PAWS site lists a very good reason not to trust your car's air conditioner system to keep your pet cool:

"...in 2003, a police dog in Texas died after the air-conditioning in the patrol car shut down and began blowing hot air. The air system's compressor kicked off because the engine got too hot. Many cars, including modern models with computerized functions, are prone to the same problem. In August 2004, a North Carolina couple lost two of their beloved dogs, and nearly lost their third dogs, as result of a similar failure. They had left bowls of water and ice in the car, and the air-conditioning on, during their shopping trip of less than 30 minutes."

- PAWS: Pets in Hot Cars

If you are going to be going somewhere that requires your pet travel with you, take care to organize all of your stops to be pet friendly. Maybe do all the drive up banking, or drive-thru pharmacy stuff. If you have to stop and get something for dinner - make it a fast food night so you can hit the drive-thru and do not have to leave your pet in the car to go grocery shopping. Or stop by the dog park, and before you leave order a pizza to be delivered shortly after you will be getting home.

A little planning ahead of time can help you avoid leaving your pet in a potentially life threatening situation.