Dog owners in nine states have been warned not to leave their pets in vehicles as a heat wave grips many parts of the country.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued heat advisories in states including Nevada, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois and California. Residents in parts of these states were cautioned about the extreme temperatures that can quickly build up inside cars.
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“Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes,” the NWS’s advice says.
Pets being transported in vehicles most commonly tend to be dogs. Hundreds of pets die of heat exhaustion in the U.S. each year from being left in parked vehicles, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
A dog hanging out of a car window on May 23, 2020, in Solvang, California. Residents of parts of nine states have been warned about leaving dogs in vehicles amid a heat wave.
George Rose/Getty Images
The non-profit organization cited a study that showed how temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly. If the outside air temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit, within 10 minutes the temperature inside the car can reach an estimated 114 degrees, and 140 degrees if left for an hour or more.
The study also found that partially opening the windows had little effect on the temperature inside the vehicle.
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Some of the first signs of heatstroke in dogs can be heavy panting and excessive drooling, according to the American Kennel Club. Dogs might also become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance.
As heat exposure continues, dogs might have muscle tremors and become lethargic and unwilling to move.
Affected dogs should be taken to a well-ventilated, cool area and sprayed with cool or tepid water, and blown with cool air from a fan, according to the American Kennel Club.
In states where there are heat advisories, people are also advised to drink plenty of fluids and stay out of the sun and in air-conditioned rooms where possible. People are generally advised to check up on relatives and neighbors.
Those who work or spend time outdoors are cautioned to take extra precautions, such as limiting strenuous activities to early morning or evening and wearing lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.
Newsweek reached out to the NWS for further information about the heat advisories via email outside of regular working hours.
A weeklong heat wave has gripped parts of the U.S., with cities along the East Coast being the most badly hit.
The NWS has said that the heat wave will continue in the first half of this week, with temperatures in the mid to upper 90s expected and some 100-degree highs possible.
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