United Animal Nation, a nonprofit animal protection group in Sacramento, Calif, just launched “My dog is cool,” a campaign entirely focused on preventing animals from dying in hot cars. Says CEO Nicole Forsyth: “Just a few minutes is too long and can become a deathtrap.”

Recent Stanford University tests indicated when the outside temperature is 72 degrees, a car’s interior temperature can rocket to 116 in just one hour — even with windows cracked. At 85 degrees, temperatures can soar to 102 in ten minutes, and to 120 degrees in thirty minutes.

A dog can only withstand a high body temperature for a brief time. Dogs only perspire through their tongues and a bit from paws. If a dog’s tongue turns a deep red or purplish color, it is in deep distress. Excessive heat can result in severe damage to nerves, heart, liver, brain, and sometimes in death.

UAN offers “It’s Hot!” fliers online at MyDogIsCool.com. Place the stickers on the windshield if you see a pet left in a car alone. If a pet appears to be in distress, humane society officials suggest making a call for help. If you are not sure whom to call, it’s fine to call 911.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Pet Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.