Please don't leave your dog in the car this summer!!

I know it is tempting to leave your dog in the car if you are just making a quick trip into a store or something like that. Please be careful. I very strongly recommend against this even if you have the air conditioning and engine running.

As you can see from the chart, the temperatures inside the vehicle can rise quickly. Even with a window partially open it can get really hot, really quickly.

So, you ask, what is the problem with leaving the air condition and engine running? I realize that with two keys it is easy to lock the vehicle and do this. However, please re-think this as well. Automobile air conditioners work much better when the vehicle is in motion. More importantly, they have been known to fail.

When I lived in the Tampa Bay Area, one of the local Sheriffs did not like dogs inside the offices. He required the K-9 handlers to leave their animals in the patrol vehicle while they were in the building doing paperwork,etc. They always ran the air in the vehicle. Well, one day, one of the air conditioners on a patrol vehicle failed. A poor dog died. Well you would think the simple solution would be to simply allow the service dogs in the building. Well apparently not to this Sheriff. He spent many, many tax payer dollars to outfit all the K-9 vehicles with redundant air conditioning systems in an attempt to prevent another dog death. This has been many years ago. I am not certain if the redundant air conditioners really solved the problem.

So, please be careful with your little guys.

If you see any signs of heat stroke or heat related problems in your dog, please get him/her to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

The Humane Society lists the following as symptoms:

heavy panting

glazed eyes 

a rapid pulse

unsteadiness

a staggering gait

vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.

If you notice these symptoms in a dog who has been exposed to heat, please take the following actions immediately! :

After you get him/her out of the heat, do this: 

1. Gradually lower his body temperature by applying 

cool (not cold) water all over his body or soaking 

him in a cool bath. 

2. Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, 

in the armpits, and in the groin area. You may also 

wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water. Direct 

a fan on the wet areas to speed evaporative cooling.

3. You may offer fresh, cool water if your dog is alert 

and wants to drink. Do not force your pet to drink.

Now get him/her to the veterinarian!

This is really a serious matter! Many dogs die in cars this time of the year.

As I have mentioned before, there are many retail establishments that allow well behaved dogs.

For example:

Copper and I were blessed to have the company of The Lovely Shane today. The Lovely Shane accompanied us on a Dog Training sales call and a Handyman estimate trip. We also did an errand or two.

Here are the places that we took Copper today:

• Wags to Whiskers Boutique and Barkery in Peachtree City, GA

 These are new friends of ours. This is a really cool store! I suggest that you all visit when you have a chance! They have fresh baked treats. They can even bake a cake for your dog's birthday! They also have a wide selection of exclusively made in the USA treats and Food.

And best of all, they really are passionate about adopted/rescued dogs. 

• Big Lots in Fayetteville, GA 
• Michaels in Fayetteville, GA
• Radio Shack in Fayetteville, GA (the one in Hudson Plaza)

None of these establishments asked us to leave. In fact, I think the staff at each of them enjoyed having Copper in the store.

As long as your little guys and girls are housebroken and well behaved, there are rarely issues. If you need help with housebreaking or the behavior of your dogs (pulling on leash, etc) please contact me. Copper and I will be happy to help you!

Till Next Time

-William -

William Moore

William Moore Canine Training

678-702-4791

fayettedogtrainer@gmail.com