Skip to content
Sizzling summer ahead: Weather forecasts predict this summer will be at least 2 degrees hotter than last year. Always know about the full forecast. It’s time to get your AC checked, stock up on sunscreen lotions, and get the pool cleaned and ready.
While we humans (as our beloved pets call us) will certainly be prepared for the scorching sun, most of us assume that there is nothing special to be done to ensure our furry babies are safe from the terrible heat as well. Year after year, hundreds of dogs suffer heatstrokes, and some of these turn fatal. Read more about these incidents in the reports from PETA, Providence Journal, and another PETA feature.
Understanding the Danger
Our pets, particularly big dogs, are quite sensitive to rising temperatures. Heatstroke is the number one killer of dogs in summer in the United States. We humans have a pretty amazing cooling mechanism through sweating, but our four-legged friends are less fortunate as their cooling mechanisms are limited. Excessive heat can cause dehydration, heat cramps, or heat stress in dogs. If a dog's body temperature rises past 100°F, they are in serious danger.
The Risks of Leaving Dogs in Vehicles
While the indoor temperatures inside our homes and offices are well maintained, the same is not the case with a locked car or RV. Particularly, RVs or camper vans are prone to AC failuresn ot due to the AC itself but because of the diesel generators (DG) that run the AC, which are prone to frequent failures due to improper maintenance or lack of fuel. This may come as a surprise to many, but even when the outside temperature is well below 90-100 degrees, the interiors of a locked RV or car could rise 20-30 degrees more due to inadequate air circulation. So, when you leave your dog behind in an RV, please keep this in mind. Check out the temperature chart for safe and unsafe temperature levels.
Statistics show that the temperature inside a parked car can increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and by 30 degrees in 20 minutes. This rapid rise can turn a safe environment into a deadly one much quicker than most people realize.
Technology to the Rescue
Of course, it is not always practical to check on these things every single time we leave our pets behind, and we can lean on technology to do it for us. You can check how the Waggle Pet Monitor can give you peace of mind about your pet's safety while you are away. This innovative device monitors the temperature and humidity levels in your vehicle in real-time and sends you instant alerts if conditions become unsafe. Watch our video infographic to see how it works.
By staying informed and using the right tools, you can ensure your furry friend stays safe and comfortable, even during the hottest days of summer. Don't let the heat take a toll on your beloved pets be proactive, be prepared, and enjoy a worry-free summer with your furry companions.
