EDMOND, Okla., June 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- An Edmond, Okla., veterinary clinic, White Oaks Veterinary Clinic, is trying to spread the word about the dangers of leaving pets in cars. It may not be headline news, but hundreds of pets die each year from heat exhaustion after being left in parked vehicles on hot days. Still, other pets become seriously ill. The temperature inside a car can rise 20 degrees in as little as ten minutes. It only takes another ten minutes to raise the temperature an additional ten degrees. Even on relatively mild, 70 degree days, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to 100 degrees in an hour.
Heat stroke is no laughing matters for pets and the owners who love them. "It's great to take an afternoon drive with the pet in tow," says Dr. Jennifer Bianchi of White Oaks Veterinary Clinic in Edmond, Okla. "But it can be deadly if the afternoon drive turns into a quick dash into the grocery store, which never ends up being all that quick." The temperature inside vehicles heats up much faster than exterior temperatures, leaving the pets stuck inside to feel the full force of the sun's searing heat.
"If pets have been left in a parked car in the heat for even a short time," says Dr. Bianchi, "it's important to look for signs of a heat stroke." These signs include several symptoms, and pets may exhibit all or only a few symptoms and still be suffering from the effects of heat. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, glazed eyes, heavy panting, dizziness, unconsciousness, a lack of coordination, seizures, vomiting or a tongue that is deep red or purple.
While all animals are at risk of heat stroke, animals that are extremely young or old, overweight or that have certain respiratory diseases are particularly susceptible. "Owners should take their pets to their veterinarian immediately if they suspect heat stroke," says Dr. Bianchi. "Fast treatment saves lives."
"While heat strokes in cars are particularly worrisome, with summer coming on, all pet owners should learn the signs of heat stroke as well as things they can do to prevent animals from becoming overheated," warns Dr. Bianchi.
For pet owners, these preventative actions include limiting exercise when temperatures soar and providing plenty of water and shade when playing outside. Offering cool treats for pets to eat or drink will cool them off on the inside while working to keep them cool externally as well.
Pet owners should also prepare a disaster plan for pets during summertime power outages, such as locating pet-friendly cooling centers in the community or filling a child's swimming pool or a bathtub with cool water where pets can soak.
About White Oaks Veterinary Clinic
White Oaks Veterinary Clinic is located on Waterloo Road in Edmond, Okla., and offers a wide range of wellness services for household pets and horses.