On Air Now

Heart FM Mornings

5:30am - 10:00am

Now Playing

No Hot Pets

The Ontario SPCA is reminding pet owners of the dangers of leaving their pets in hot vehicles.

The Ontario SPCA is reminding pet owners out there to leave their pets at home, not in a car.

The OSPCA receives hundreds of phone calls about pets being left in hot vehicles each summer and that's not including phone calls to local police stations.

Senior Inspector Bonnie Bishop says leaving a dog in a hot vehicle could be very dangerous or even deadly.

"A dog's normal body temperature is about 39 degrees Celsius and the temperature of 41 degrees Celsius can be withstood for a very short period of time before the potential of brain damage or even death could occur."

If a dog is experiencing heat stroke they may be excessively panting, drooling or could even be unconscious and would need immediate medical attention.

Bishop tells Heart FM what you should do if you spot a pet in a hot vehicle.

"If people see an animal in a car they should immediately dial 310-SPCA or your local police department. They should stay with the vehicle, find someone else close by, have them attend to the local businesses and try to locate the owner as quickly as possible."

Breaking the window of the vehicle is a very bad idea because not only could it hurt the animal inside, but it could also get you in some legal troubles.

The OSPCA is encouraging members of the public to use #NoHotPets on social media in order to help spread the word.

They are also encouraging businesses to take a pledge to become a pet friendly business. By filling out an online form business owners would receive a digital sticker to display, which would tell pet owners to bring their furry friends inside instead of leaving them in their vehicle. More information can be found on the No Hot Pets website.

More from Local News

Weather