Summer’s heat deadly for pets left in cars

Summer brings an increased risk of putting pets in danger of heat stroke.  KMC veterinarian clinics have seen pets being severely injured and even killed by owners who leave their pets unattended in vehicles during summer days.
 
The damaging effects of heat stroke on pets can be temporary or permanent, and can cause sudden death. The longer a pet is exposed to high heat levels, the faster cell death occurs. When a pet is confined to a space where the ambient temperature and humidity are above tolerable levels, its body acquires heat from the environment faster than it can dissipate that heat, leading to severe injuries and death.

Cracking windows has little effect on the inside temperature as the air inside the vehicle is warmed by solid objects in the vehicle, like the steering wheel, dashboard, vehicle seats, etc.

The temperature inside a vehicle on an 80-degree day can rise to more than 100 degrees within 10 minutes and to more than 130 degrees in 30 minutes.  Leaving pets in vehicles even for a quick errand could be deadly and security forces or Polizei may apprehend the owner. 

Pet owners may be apprehended for animal cruelty if it is deemed the owner has placed a pet in danger of heat stroke. There has been an increase in the KMC of pet owners leaving their pets locked in vehicles at the commissary and base/post exchanges, as well as several off base locations.  
 
If someone sees a pet locked in a vehicle, and experiencing effects of heat stroke, contact local Security Forces or German Polizei. For more information about animal heat stroke contact the local KMC veterinary clinic.