As temperatures soar across Waterloo region, Guelph, and Wellington County, the first heatwave of the year brings a critical reminder for pet owners: the best way to show love for your pets is by leaving them at home. This plea comes in response to multiple distress calls about pets left in vehicles, a dangerous practice that can lead to severe health risks, including heatstroke or even death.
The Danger of Hot Cars
Despite well-meaning intentions, taking pets along for a ride can turn perilous quickly if they are left in the car. Waterloo Regional Police have already responded to 10 distress calls this month regarding pets in hot cars. The interior of a car can heat up rapidly, reaching temperatures much higher than the outside air, turning a car into a furnace. Police stress that cracking a window is hardly enough to cool down the heated interior.
Lisa Veit, Executive Director of the Guelph Humane Society, echoes this sentiment. “Many think a short trip will be harmless, especially if they leave the windows down, but this is far from safe,” Veit explained. Unlike humans, dogs can’t sweat to cool down; they pant to manage their body temperature. Even with windows cracked, the car’s environment can still be fatally hot.
Community Responses and Legal Consequences
The increase in these incidents has prompted authorities and animal welfare organizations to reinforce the severity of leaving pets in hot cars. Not only are pets at risk, but owners can also face significant legal consequences. Under the provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, leaving a pet in a hot vehicle can lead to charges, and police and animal welfare inspectors have the authority to intervene.
“Love Means Leaving Me at Home” Campaign
To combat this ongoing issue, the Guelife Humane Society has launched the “Love Means Leaving Me at Home” campaign. This initiative is designed to educate pet owners about the risks of heat exposure and to promote safer practices during the hot summer months. “The kindest act you can do as a pet owner is to leave your pets in a cool, safe space at home,” Veit advises. Spending quality time with your pets should happen in a safe environment, not at the risk of their well-being.
Safe Practices for Pet Care in Hot Weather
Beyond just avoiding cars, the campaign also advises on other ways to protect pets during heatwaves:
- Modify Walking Times: Shift dog-walking to cooler parts of the day, preferably early in the morning or later in the evening. Avoid midday when the sun’s heat is at its most intense.
- Keep Hydration Available: Ensure pets have access to fresh water at all times, helping them stay hydrated.
- Create Cool Spaces: Make sure there are shaded, cool resting places for pets, both indoors and outdoors.
What to Do If You See a Pet in Distress
If you encounter a pet left in a vehicle on a hot day, the recommended course of action is to call 911 immediately. “This is considered an emergency. The well-being of the animal could be at severe risk,” state Waterloo regional police. The public is advised not to attempt to break into the vehicle themselves but to wait for the authorities who are trained to handle such situations effectively.
Conclusion
As the summer progresses, it is vital for pet owners to remember that the true demonstration of love for their pets is ensuring their safety. While pets may enjoy accompanying their owners on outings, the risks associated with hot days are high. By choosing to leave pets at home during heatwaves, owners can prevent tragic outcomes and ensure their furry friends enjoy the summer safely.
