Common sense
tells most people that leaving their pet inside a parked vehicle on a hot,
summer day could be dangerous after an extended period of time.

But most people don’t realize that the temperature can skyrocket after just a few minutes.
Parking in the shade or leaving the windows cracked does little to alleviate this pressure cooker.

On a warm, sunny day windows collect light, trapping heat inside the vehicle,
and pushing the temperature inside to dangerous levels. On hot and humid days,
the temperature in a car parked in direct sunlight can rise more than 30 degrees per minute,
and quickly become lethal.

Pets, more so than humans, are susceptible to overheating and are much less efficient at
cooling themselves than people are.

Dogs, for example, are designed to conserve heat. Their sweat glands, which exist
on their nose and the pads of their feet, are inadequate for cooling during hot days.

Panting and drinking water helps cool them, but if they only have overheated air to breathe,
dogs can suffer brain and organ damage after just 15 minutes. Short-nosed breeds,
like pugs and bulldogs, young pets, seniors or pets with weight, respiratory, cardiovascular
or other health problems are especially susceptible to heat-related stress.

In case of an emergency,
it’s important to be able to identify the symptoms of heat
stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures.

Check the animal for signs of heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat,restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination,profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness.

If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps to gradually lower her body temperature immediately.

Follow these tips, and it could save her life:

• Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or immerse her in cool (not cold) water.
• Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.Take her directly to a veterinarian.

• Plan ahead
  Advance planning will make your move less stressful on you and your pet.
  Invest in a high-quality, sturdy pet carrier.
  If you have a dog or cat whom you want to keep safely confined on moving day,
  get a carrier ahead of time and gradually accustom your pet to spending time in it.
  Purchase a new ID tag for your pet.
  As soon as you know your new address,
  get a pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone numbers.
  Keep your pet secure.
• On moving day
  place your pet (whether in the carrier or not) in a safe, quiet place,
  such as the bathroom, so that he or she cannot escape.
  Make your car trip safe.
  If you are travelling by car and your dog enjoys car travel, you may want to accustom
  him to a restraining harness. Because most cats aren’t comfortable travelling in cars, it’s
  best (for their safety as well as yours) to transport them in a well-ventilated and
  securely placed carrier.
  Talk to your veterinarian.
  If your pet doesn’t enjoy car rides, consult your veterinarian about behaviour modification
  or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your destination,
  your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.
• Find hotels in advance
  Listings of animal-friendly hotels will help you find overnight lodging during your move.
  Plan ahead for air travel.Check with your veterinarian and the airline
  if your pet will be flying.
• Prepare your new home
  Take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one
  in your new home: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, food and water bowls, and health records.
  Also have on hand a recent photo of your pet, for use if your pet becomes lost.