Issue: June 2025
Title: “Heat Kills Fast: Why Leaving Pets in Cars Can Be Deadly in Minutes”
Dear Pet Parents,
As the summer sun beats down, we want to take a moment to address a heartbreaking but preventable danger: heat stroke in pets left inside vehicles.
Even a quick trip into the store can turn tragic. On a 75°F day, the temperature inside a parked car can skyrocket to over 100°F in just 10 minutes—and cracking a window does not make it safe.
Dogs and cats don’t sweat like we do. They rely on panting to regulate their body temperature. When the air around them becomes too hot, their internal temperature rises rapidly. This leads to heat stroke, organ failure, and often death—all within a matter of minutes.
🚨 Real Talk: What Heat Stroke Looks Like
- Heavy panting and drooling
- Glazed eyes or confusion
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures or collapse
If your pet shows any of these signs, it’s a medical emergency. Cool them with wet towels, offer water, and get them to a vet immediately.
🛑 Please Never Leave a Pet in a Car
Even if:
- The windows are cracked
- You’re “just running in for a minute”
- The car is in shade
- You think they’re safe
They’re not.
Let’s spread the word in our communities. If you see a pet locked in a hot car, call your local non-emergency police number or animal control. In many states, it’s legal to act if a life is in danger.
🧊 Summer Safety Tips:
- Walk pets early morning or evening to avoid peak heat
- Always bring water and avoid hot pavement
- Know the signs of heat distress
- Leave pets at home if they can’t safely come inside with you
At Pooches Pets n Pals, we specialize in grooming and caring for medically fragile, anxious, and senior pets—including those sensitive to heat and environmental stress. If your pet needs a gentle summer grooming plan, we’re here to help.
Stay safe, stay cool, and never hesitate to speak up for a pet in danger.
With love and paws,
Kara Ann Gibson
Founder, Groomer, Advocate
🐾 Pooches Pets n Pals | Paws and Pens | Pals for Claws and Paws