Letter to the Editor

Don't leave your dog or cat in hot car

Thursday, May 15, 2014

To the Editor:

Hot cars kill dogs! Please don't leave your dog or cat in a parked car in the spring or summer months, even for a few minutes.

Even on an average day the temperature inside your car can reach an unbearable 160 degrees in the sun. Even with windows partially open your dog or cat can die of heat prostration within a short time. And, those that survive can suffer unseen brain damage.

Your companion animal does not sweat the way you do. Their lungs are their main cooling system. With nothing but overheated air to breathe, he can't live very long.

Please, when the weather is warm, leave your dog or cat in your air-conditioned home or your dog might enjoy that time under a shade tree in your back yard with plenty of clean, fresh drinking water.

Caroline Stephens

Greencastle