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Every year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked RV or car even for “just a minute” while they run an errand. Parked vehicles become deadly heat traps for pets.
On a 20-degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can soar to between 36 and 40 degrees in just minutes, and on a 28-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 50 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Hot RVs Kill
If you see a dog alone in a hot RV, take down the vehicle’s color, model, make, and license plate number. Try to have the owner paged in nearby buildings or call local humane authorities or the police. Keep an eye on the dog, and don’t leave the scene until the situation is resolved.
What to Do When You See a Dog in a Hot RV
If authorities are unresponsive or slow and the dog’s life appears to be in immediate danger, find a witness (or several) who can back up your assessment. Take steps to remove the suffering animal from the RV and wait for help to arrive.
Watch for signs of heatstroke such as restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of coordination.
If a dog shows any of these symptoms, remove them from the heat immediately preferably into an air-conditioned vehicle and transport them to a vet as soon as possible. If you can’t drive them, bring the dog into an air-conditioned building and call animal control right away, clearly stating that it’s an emergency.
Provide cool (not iced) water to drink, and if possible, gently spray the dog with a hose or immerse them in cool water for up to two minutes to gradually lower body temperature. You can also place them in front of an electric fan or apply cool, wet towels to the groin, stomach, chest, and paws. Avoid using ice or freezing water, and never chill the dog too quickly.
Hot Pavement Is Dangerous Too
When walking your dog, remember that if it feels hot enough outside to fry an egg, it might actually be that hot. At 28 degrees Celsius, asphalt can reach a sizzling 48 degrees hot enough to cook an egg in five minutes. And it can do serious damage to your dog’s paw pads.
On a 30-degree C day, pavement temperatures can soar to 50 degrees, which can cause burns, blisters, and permanent damage in under a minute. Hot pavement not only burns paws but also radiates heat, raising your dog’s body temperature and increasing the risk of heatstroke.
If you wouldn’t put your dog in a frying pan, don’t let them walk on scorching pavement. Test the surface with your hand (if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog), walk during cooler times like early morning or late evening, bring water, take shady breaks, and never use muzzles that restrict breathing.