As spring and summer approach, Washoe County Regional Animal Services would like to remind its residents to keep pets indoors when the weather is warm. Leaving pets in an enclosed vehicle can be deadly, regardless of the temperature inside of the car, or outside, for that matter.
Studies have shown that 75 degree day outside can equate to a car reaching an internal temperature of 89 degrees after just ten short minutes in the sun. A temperature of 90 outside equates to a temperature of 109 inside the car.
Dogs regulate their body temperature at 102 degrees, which makes it difficult for them to cool off when temperatures are above that. Once their core temperature reaches 104 to 105 degrees, they go into heat exhaustion and often suffer strokes.
“Our goal is not to issue citations, but rather to proactively educate and spread the message,” said Washoe County Regional Animal Services Director Shyanne Schull. “Leave your pets at home.”
Learn more about the law here.
