Help Your Pets Beat the Heat

Brought to you by P&G Everyday Solutions

You love to get Fido out of the house, especially when the weather's going your way. But is he safe in the car while you run your errands? On a hot, humid day, a car's internal temperature can easily rise to dangerous levels in as few as 10 minutes. A dog cools himself down by panting, but it's difficult without proper ventilation. If you enjoy a car companion, learn safe traveling tips to help your pet beat the heat.

The Safe Ride Basics

• Stay in the shade. If you're traveling with a dog, and he's getting out when you are, look for a shaded area to park the car while you're gone, and avoid direct sunlight. When you both get back in the car, it should be more comfortable than if you left it in the intense sun.
• Block the glare. For longer car rides, use specially designed window shades to block out the sun.
• Bring H2O. Make sure there is plenty of fresh water available to your dog. And remember to stop often for bathroom breaks, bringing paper towels, such as heavy-duty Bounty®, in case of an accident.
• Protect him from the elements. While we've all seen a dog with his or her head poked out a car window, it can be harmful. Bugs, dirt and other debris can fly in your dog's eyes, nose and mouth.
• No truck bed roaming. Don't allow your pet to wander around the bed of your pickup truck while driving. It's not only unsafe — and sometimes even illegal — but your pet can burn his feet on the hot metal of the truck bed, or possibly even fall out.
• Buckle up. It's important to secure your pet to:
  • Protect him in case of an accident
  • Keep him from running loose and distracting the driver
  • Prevent him from escaping through an open door or window
• For a quick trip, try a car harness. It utilizes your car's already existing seatbelts to provide extra protection and security, and can be found in most pet stores.
• Be cautious of carsickness. No matter how long or short your journey, carsickness can be an issue. If it's a problem for your dog, try not to feed him four to six hours before departure.
• Know when to say "no." Experts suggest leaving your pup at home on extremely hot days to avoid heatstroke, because prevention is the best way to avoid overheating.

Recognize the Signs

The American Animal Hospital Association® (AAHA) offers these warning signs for detecting heatstroke in your pet:

Panting

Staring

Anxious expression

Refusal to obey commands

Warm, dry skin

High fever

Rapid heartbeat

Vomiting

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