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Dogs left in cars

Started 2 years ago by Diana
Latest reply from JoB

Diana
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At 1:00 this afternoon I ran an errand to Target in Westwood Village. As I walked through the parking lot I noticed a small dog inside a white BMW which was parked in the lot in front of the store. The car had a sunroof that was cracked open about an inch and a side window that was also cracked open about an inch. The dog was barking at a fellow who walked by and it seemed agitated. It caught my attention but I thought perhaps it had not been there long and the owner just nipped into the store for a second. I was in the store for 1/2 hour and when I left the car was still there, and the little dog was still there and the heat of the day had increased. I went back into the store and asked for security. Immediately the security officer on duty followed me to the car, noted the situation, and called 911 for emergency Animal Control. His response was immediate and sure and he totally took control of the situation. A huge RAVE and I will follow up with the manager. And a huge RANT for anyone who thinks it is okay to take your dog with you and leave it in your car even with the windows cracked. There is NOTHING you need to buy at Target, or anywhere else, that warrants your taking your dog with you on a sunny day and leaving it locked in your car. If you see a similar situation, alert store security or call 911.

Posted 2 years ago #
hammerhead
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Yeah for target. most stores don't give a crap. I just hope animal control showed up quickly.

Diane and thanks for stepping up. Most people wouldn't care.

Posted 2 years ago #
Kimberley
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If my memory serves me correctly, Next to Nature has a hotline number to call in order to report dogs left in cars during the hot summer months. I believe that number (according to the Seattle Animal Shelter Website, as this would be considered cruelty to animals) is: (206) 386-PETS (7387), which is confirmed by the King County Animal Control website, here: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/AnimalServices/FAQs.aspx#8F67331418064CFF8035E4A2DB6BA06E

Posted 2 years ago #
mom2soren
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Just wanted to emphasize that dogs left in cars at 60 degrees are perfectly OK. I take my dog w/ me on errands when the weather is cool, since she loves it so much.

I agree about hot cars, though. It's life-threatening for the dog (and children!!!!).

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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mom2soren, I don't think anyone was talking about leaving dogs in cars on cool days, but the safety of that practice is debatable. First of all, if it's sunny, the car can become an oven even when it's not hot outside. I think this flyer says it all:
http://www.seattle.gov/animalshelter/pdfs/heat_flyer.pdf

Also, remember this?
http://westseattleblog.com/blog/?p=15316

Be careful!

Posted 2 years ago #
Lucile 2
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I spoke to someone at Animal Control and they usually don't send anyone out unless the car and dog have been there for at least a half an hour. That might be to cut down on people who do just run in/run out and their dog is hanging out with a window cracked, no signs of distress (which in my opinion, I don't see that being a huge problem--I do run to the ATM or to pick up water if I am on my way on an outing with the hound). I really think many people are somewhat uneducated about the potential danger of a hot car. I wouldn't have given it a second thought until I overhead someone talking about it last summer, to be honest.

Posted 2 years ago #
marianne
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I was at Rite Aid two weekends ago. I had finished my shopping and was loading the trunk of my car. At that time a family of two adults and three kids pulled up and parked next to me. They all got out of their large pick up and cracked the windows a bit and left their dog in the truck while they went into the store. Just to see how hot it would get, I decided to crack my windows the same amount and wait for the family to return.
It was probably in the mid-70's that day and they were in the store maybe 15-20 minutes. When they returned I got out of my car and explained that I had been in the car with the windows down the same amount the they had left for their dog and it had gotten really uncomfortably warm. They said had "only been gone a few minutes" and I said I knew exactly how long it had been because I saw them go in. They said 'it was all right because there was another carload of other family members playing frisbee in the parking lot". So why did they not let the dog out of the truck on a leash to be looked after my these family members? Why did the entire family unit of 5 people need to go into Rite Aid to buy the potato chips and sodas they bought. Couldn't someone have stayed and walked the dog in the parking lot? They informed me that the dog "was well taken care of" that "people around here steal dogs" and to mind my own business. I told them when I see a dog stuck in a hot car it becomes my business and that I was just getting ready to go into the store to find them when they came out. As I was driving away, I saw mom instruct daughter to take the dog out and walk it around the parking lot.
It amazes me how many people are oblivious and can't seem to grasp the concept that DOGS DIE IN HOT CARS!

Posted 2 years ago #
vincent
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chubbys

Posted 2 years ago #
AdamOnAlki
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I love you Vincent.

Posted 2 years ago #
Lucile 2
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This is Vincent's favorite post, potato chips and pop and dogs in cars!

Posted 2 years ago #
mom2soren
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Don't worry, KBear. I have enough sense to know when the car could get hot. I never leave my dog in the car unless I can stand it without the windows down or air on (ie. when it's obviously comfortable).

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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I am in total agreement that people should be more aware of what is happening with in the heat when pets are left their cars...

but i also think too many people are deciding a dog is in distress when it isn't. You think it should be in distress.. therefore it is.

when i have my dogs with me in the car and i must make a stop, i wet my dogs down and leave them water before i go in... and they have never been dry or the water gone when i returned...

however, today i made my dogs stay at home kenneled on the covered patio while i made a quick trip to the store because i couldn't be sure someone wouldn't decide my dogs were in trouble and call animal control... especially after the post this morning.

since my male dog is not people friendly.. and the female wouldn't be people friendly to someone she thought was hurting the male.. the likelihood of my dogs being put down because someone decided i wasn't taking care of them and called animal control was too great.

now i know there will be those of you who are reading this and smiling smugly because the fear of your interference protected my dogs.. but you would be very wrong. I protect my dogs. Today i had to protect them from you:(

I only have so much energy... so today... because they weren't along on my errand they didn't get to stop at the park and go for a short walk... a loss they felt profoundly and loudly.

I agree that we should educate people about how easy it is to overheat their dog. And i agree we should alert the authorities for animals in distress. But i would caution against going too far.. because the end result could be disastrous for a dog.

The dog could be injured while being removed from their car. they could put down.. either because they bit while protecting their car or they are not people friendly... even though the dog's owner left them safely contained. the dog could be put down because it's owner can't afford to bail it out of doggy jail and no-one else adopts it.

I have to ask if risking this outcome for a dog that may be agitated but is not in distress is in the dog's best interests.

The other day.. on a 65 degree day, i was lectured outside a store when i got out of my car to enter a store. The person who lectured me was quite rude... and insistent that i should have left my dogs home... threatening to call animal control.

The irony is that i had parked outside a store with a deli to purchase supplies for a picnic in the park.. with my dogs.

I really respect that most of you who post about this really care about animals... but it is likely that most of us who take our pets with us also really care about animals... especially our own.... and are well aware of the need to insure the safety and well-being of our pets.

I would however be tickled if anyone who saw my pets in trouble asked to have me paged. Believe me.. i wouldn't wait to check out to take care of them...

Posted 2 years ago #
HunterG
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Bump....can't stress enough the safety of our critters. Its gonna be a HOT summer.

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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Yesterday was a day that no dog should have been left in a parked car for any length of time. Today will be even more so.

Posted 2 years ago #
WesCAddle
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When I leave my dog in the car, I always make sure to leave my baby in there to play with her. I think it keeps her mind off the heat.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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The signs of heat exhuastion/stroke in dogs...

from a Q/A on a vet's blog...

http://www.vetinfo.com/dheatstroke.html

"Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy panting, hyperventilation (deep breathing), increased salivation early then dry gums as the heat prostration progresses, weakness, confusion or inattention, vomiting or diarrhea and sometimes bleeding. As the condition progresses towards heat prostration or heat stroke there may be obvious paleness or graying to the gums ( I realize this sign won't work for you but you might keep it in mind to ask someone about, just in case), shallowing of the breathing efforts and eventually slowed or absent breathing efforts, vomiting and diarrhea that may be bloody and finally seizures or coma. Temperatures above 105 degrees Fahrenheit are dangerous, if you have a way of taking her temperature. Most people don't carry around thermometers with them and the physical signs are usually enough to go by."

this might make it easier to tell when an animal is actually in distress...

all dogs pant.. especially when they are distressed in any way... like when you have your nose up to the window in their car...

and many dogs sleep in the car...

but if you see... "weakness, confusion or inattention, vomiting or diarrhea and sometimes bleeding." it's definately time to call animal control.

and for those worried about temps.. that's internal temps of above 105... the dog's not the cars.. though i would hope someone would have called for help for the animal before they get that hot.

if you want to make a point to the owner.. go get a cup of ice and put it in the driver's seat.. it will help the dog and will make your point pretty obvious... i'd sure get the point if i found my seat swimming in melting ice...

btw.. ice is a great tip for keeping your dog hydrated in the heat.. freeze ice blocks for a secondary water dish.. as the ice melts the dog will get a steady supply of cold water...

Posted 2 years ago #
JenV
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Wes made me LOL. ;P

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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'if you see... "weakness, confusion or inattention, vomiting or diarrhea and sometimes bleeding." it's definately time to call animal control.'

If I see a dog locked up in a car, how will I know if he's confused?

Posted 2 years ago #
Kimberley
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Ask him/her for the time KBear and if they can't give it to you, they're obviously confused.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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KBear..

if you don't know enough about dogs and their behavior to recognize a dog that is inattentive or confused..

then probably you should be leaving the question of whether to call animal control to report the owner for abuse to someone who is familiar with dogs and can recognize the symptoms of distress..

thanks for making my point so eloquently.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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It's already 75 in the coolest part of my house and i don't have air conditioning.. so the pups and i will be headed for the hills and tall trees in the comfort of my air conditioned dog-mobile...

in spite of the fact that these dogs have already shed enough hair this spring to warm several large dogs, they have undercoats and are already exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion in the house.

sometimes the car is a better option.

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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JoB, I know a lot about dogs, and if I see one locked in a car today, I'm calling Animal Control.

Posted 2 years ago #
vincent
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If I see a dog locked in a house or a yard, I think I might call just in case. Especially if the dog is black, scientifically a black dog will be hotter because it adsorbs more heat. Its really terrible that people skimp on getting their dogs hair highlighted, so they can enjoy the weather.

Posted 2 years ago #
Kimberley
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I think the concern is that people will start calling the hotline left and right reporting dogs in distress instead of perhaps doing the sensible thing, which would be to go instead the store and alert security (perhaps they can call out the car type/colour and plate number to get the owner's attention) and the concerned citizen can make a suggestion to the dog owner. Hopefully, the vehicle/dog owner won't be an arse about it and hopefully the concerned citizen won't be a zealot. Point is, there needs to be a common ground as there are many animals lovers out there, but there's a fine point between being truly concerned and being a jerk who likes to push buttons.

Posted 2 years ago #
Erik
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My boy has poor clothing choices in the heat, all black. He got to swim at Alki this afternoon and is a much happier camper.

Posted 2 years ago #
Lucile 2
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Follow your gut instinct! Call if you feel that is the right thing to do. It takes them a half an hour to show up anyhow, so that kind of weeds out the issues from non-issues. It is what Animal Control is there for, it is not like you are taking them away from answering to a 911 call of a woman who is having a heart attack.
In several situations, people often don't do what they feel is best because they are afraid. Since everyone has a different definition of what is "right", just stick to your gut. There is no need to be condescending to someone who is doing what they feel is right, especially in an issue of another person or animals well-being.

On a lighter note, Wes, if you are going to leave your dog and your baby, please leave a loaded gun and matches too. Your baby will need some self-defense! (There is always time for jokes, no matter what the topic).

Posted 2 years ago #
GenHillOne
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Okay, I saw the ridiculous other end of the spectrum today at Rite Aid. I pulled up next to a car with all of its windows down and a 4(?)-ish year-old boy sitting alone in his car seat. Okay...the windows were open for him, but seriously? Did we all just lose our minds in the heat? If I had the mind too, I would have had plenty of time to put that kid in my car and drive away. I did see the car pull out while I was still in the front of the store and I don't see any kidnapping reports, so I assume the driver came back. WTH folks?!

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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JoB, you'll be happy to know that yesterday I saw the cutest little pug locked up in a car at Safeway, and I did NOT call Animal Control. The sun was going down, and the air was cooling off, the windows were adequately open, and the doggie didn't look the least bit confused. Just lonely.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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KBear..

I am happy to hear that... all i was pointing out is that the response should fit the circumstances.

After all.. the main issue here is the safety and well being of our dogs.. and for most of us dog owners... those are well loved family members..

I don't mean to leave cat or other animal lovers out.. but far fewer of you bring them along when you venture into the world :)

I suspect i will be off for cooler pastures again today as the heat is rising in my house... i hate air conditioning in the car but the pups love it.

It was nearly as hot in the mountains yesterday as it was here but i was able to find a couple of shaded trails with puddles of snow for the dogs to romp on... they were happy campers.

Let's all try to stay cool...

Posted 2 years ago #
GreenGuy
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Just happened upon this blog, and this forum posting. Are you people for real? Why would anyone EVER leave a dog or child in a car on an even remotely warm day. I am in disbelief. Please say this is not for real. I will cry if I witness something so absurd.

Posted 2 years ago #
hammerhead
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yes they are serious. sad very sad. i don't care how short of a time a dog or kid is in a car. animal control is called and I make a seen. i have work in vet clinics and seen the horrors of dogs being left in vehicles. being outside WITH NO shelter is ILLEGAL be it sun, rain or snow.

Posted 2 years ago #
KBear
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Hammerhead, they were kidding about children. Did the comment about matches and loaded gun not give that away? And Animal Control has enough trouble responding to real emergencies given their limited resources. I hope you aren't wasting their time every time you see a dog in a car on a cool cloudy day.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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hammerhead...

i know you do good work and you care about animals... but unless a dog is in distress.. it is more likely that it is being well cared for than not.

I would call animal control if i saw a dog in a car in distress if i was unable to find it's owner...

and i have been known to hang out and monitor a dog in a car until it's people came out if i thought the situation might become perilous...

and.. i confess.. i have fed ice cubes through the cracked window to more than one dog... just in case...

but assuming that people don't know what they are doing and don't have their dog's best interests at heart without making an effort to find them is not the way to teach people to have more concern for their pets.

and in some cases, a dog with behavioral issues will be worse off for the intervention.

Posted 2 years ago #
Lucile 2
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Well said, KBear!

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
Member Profile

I know I shouldn't get involved and say this and there should be no engaging on this matter but... you do gooders should know that when you approach the car with the dog, and the dog barks, it's actually barking AT you. YOU are agitating the dog. So if you are truly concerned for the dog's safety, don't approach the car. And I will go ahead and explain this in greater detail: If the dog, which you profess to care about, is in a car, and you approach that car and the dog becomes agitated, you are actually making the situation worse for the dog.

I'm going to slap myself now.

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
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I know I shouldn't get involved and say this and there should be no engaging on this matter but... you do gooders should know that when you approach the car with the dog, and the dog barks, it's actually barking AT you. YOU are agitating the dog. So if you are truly concerned for the dog's safety, don't approach the car. And I will go ahead and explain this in greater detail: If the dog, which you profess to care about, is in a car, and you approach that car and the dog becomes agitated, you are actually making the situation worse for the dog.

I'm going to slap myself now.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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ellenator..

i think you slapped yourself too hard... it made your fingers jump:)

Posted 2 years ago #
Steph in WS
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I agree with JoB. Not all dog owners do the wrong thing when leaving their dogs in the car and each situation should be looked at. I leave my two dogs in the car when; 1) there is a shady place for the car or back part of the car, 2) not on days when it is over 70 deg unless the whole car is in the shade and I will be only 10 min or less, 3) for no more than 1/2 hour. I feel those are safe guidelines because I have pretty dark tinted windows in my car. I have turned around back to home when I cannot meet those requirements and do leave them at home when it hits 80 deg.

Posted 2 years ago #
ellenater
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hehehe. you are right JoB. :)

Steph in WS, agreed.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
Member Profile

I don't advocate leaving dogs in cars without taking steps to secure their welfare...

but in our house, the car is referred to as the rolling kennel and has been set up for the dog's comfort... including fairly dark tinted windows in the back...

it is their only air conditioned refuge in hot weather and i cool the car enough to need a sweater before i leave them the 10 to 15 minutes it takes me to do a quick market run on a warm day.

if i don't treat them right.. they definately let me know it:)

Posted 2 years ago #

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