Signs a dog left in a vehicle is in distress

If you're a dog lover, you know that a dog being neglected or abused is one of the worst things you can see. Being trapped in a hot car, for example, can put a dog's life in danger without the owner even being there. Even if the owner just left for a few minutes, it can be enough to increase a dog's internal temperature dangerously. If the temperature goes up enough, it can even lead to the dog's death. We at Birch Bark Kennels in Vancouver think everyone should know these signs of trouble if you see a dog trapped in a hot car:

• A dog's only real means of regulating their body's temperature is by panting. If you see a dog panting rapidly, it means he or she is trying to cool off quickly.
• If, however, the air in the car is too hot to offer a means of cooling a dog's body, his or her tongue will turn dark purple. This is a sure sign that something should be done quickly.
• Dogs know when something is wrong. If they need to leave a car, they will start behaving frantically, pawing at any cracks in the window or trying to stick their head outside.
• It's not uncommon for dogs to evacuate their bowels in reaction to great stress and heat.
• If things are really bad, a dog will then turn lethargic in an effort to conserve energy.

What to do if you see signs of trouble

If you see any of the signs of danger, you should do all you can to help. It's illegal in Vancouver to break a car's window in these cases, and you shouldn't damage someone else’s property in any event. Luckily, there's a lot you can short of that:

• Firstly, you should remain calm. Panic won't help you, the animal, or the animal's owner.
• Write down the car's license plate, ask businesses around the parked car to page the owner.
• If it's not obvious where the animal's owner is, or you think the situation is a real emergency, call the authorities. If you call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Vancouver, they can help you through the situation and connect you with the appropriate emergency services.
• When the crisis is over, be sure to not get aggressive with the dog's owner. He or she may not have been aware there was a problem and, anyway, hostility rarely helps in these situations.

If you're a dog owner, it's best to avoid the problem of leaving your dog in a car altogether. We at Birch Bark Kennels offer wonderful dog boarding services to everyone in the Vancouver area. If you’re uncomfortable leaving your dog at home, consider signing up for doggie day care services. Contact us today to find out how we can keep you dog safe and happy while you're out and about.