We all know the dangers of leaving a dog in a car during the hot summer months, but not many people know about the dangers of winter as well. Cold temperatures are just as hazardous to our furry friends, and leaving pets out in the cold weather can violate local laws. Always bring your pets inside or leave them at home instead of risking their health in the elements.
Dangers of Cold Weather
Cars lock in temperatures, which is why a vehicle parked in the sun becomes so hot during the summer. The same can be said for a vehicle parked in cold weather, with temperatures inside dropping below the exterior temperature. This environment creates extremely dangerous scenarios for animals left in a car for an extended period of time.
Pets locked in cars also have a difficult time regulating their body temperature, even though they are better than humans at doing so. Even dogs who enjoy being out in the cold can begin to struggle after an extended period of time, especially if they are not in the best health.
How to Protect Your Pets
If it is an absolute necessity that you must leave your pet in a parked car, then take these precautions:
- Blankets/Insulated Kennel - Keep your pets safe by giving them a warm place to lay on, such as a few blankets or an insulated carrier.
- Check on Them - Return to your vehicle every few minutes to make sure that they are alright and don’t show signs of distress.
- Crack a Window - This may seem counterintuitive, but leaving a window cracked can ensure that they get enough fresh air and that the temperature in the car remains closer to the outside temperature. In the worst-case scenarios, this also helps law enforcement officers be able to access the vehicle in the event that the animal must be rescued.
Again, it is probably for the best that your pets be left at home whenever you make trips in your car, or take them into whatever building you are visiting if they allow pets. If you would like to find some more ways to keep your pets comfortable while in your car, check out the pet accessories available at Hawk Subaru.
