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If you’ve watched the news lately, then you know the heat is coming to much of the northern hemisphere. In fact, one of today’s top stories on CBS’ national news broadcast was titled: Major heat wave intensifying in parts of U.S.

In South Florida, it’s almost always hot but especially this time of year, when high temperatures usually reach the high 80s/low 90s. That’s why this story out of New Smyrna Beach yesterday is so disturbing. The New Smyrna Beach Police Department posted a video on Facebook of a dog locked in a U-Haul truck while the owners went to the beach.

Here’s their post (also embedded below): “This dog was left locked inside a U-Haul truck yesterday while the owners went to the beach. The windows were cracked only slightly, and no water was left inside for the dog. The reporting party told officers that the dog had been in the car for nearly an hour. The temperature outside at the time was 86 degrees with no cloud cover, meaning the temperature inside the vehicle was likely 100 degrees or more. The dog was safely removed from the vehicle and transported to the Southeast Volusia Humane Society. Charging affidavits were sent to the State Attorney’s Office for both owners of the dog. Never leave an animal or a child alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period. It could be deadly. Thank you to the vigilant person who noticed the dog in the car and reported it so we could help.”

You would think people would know better but sadly some are either clueless or don’t care. One thing is for sure: They need to get educated. And it’s a good reminder for everyone. “Never leave an animal or a child alone inside a vehicle, even for a short period,” is great advice.


According to AAA East Central, “in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a vehicle can heat up by 20 degrees and become deadly. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s and when a child is left in a hot vehicle.” AAA also states, “Animals are also at a more severe rate of risk when they have factors like age (very young, very old), obesity, poor heart/lung conditioning, are a short-nosed, flat-faced breed, or have a thick hair coat.”

AAA has some great information on this subject: “When it comes to heatstroke, animals are also at risk. Leaving them in a vehicle while running errands, taking a break at a rest stop during a road trip or for any other reason, can have deadly consequences. Animals left in hot cars can face irreversible organ damage, heat stroke, brain damage and, in extreme cases, death.”

Signs of heatstroke in dogs and cats can include:

  • Panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Vomiting
  • Reddened gums and tongue
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Wobbly, uncoordinated movement

According to the National Weather Service, symptoms of heatstroke in humans are: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness. They say to “call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency.”

The heat is rising all over, including Europe which is why I wrote a tip about bringing one of these sleek handheld or wearable fans if you’re traveling to a hot destination this summer. Last summer, my family and I learned our lesson while walking through the sweltering streets of Rome looking like we’d just walked across the Sahara while smart tourists with fans walked along cool as cucumbers.

KEEP READING

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1 Comment On "Florida police rescue dog left in hot truck with no water while owners go to the beach"
  1. Sharon Scalcione|

    Make it a felony to leave animals or kids in locked cars in the heat, maybe the threat of jail time and or fines will deter some, but sadly not all, because there are so many stupid negligent people out there. If I ever saw that, I wouldn’t even even wait for the cops to get there. I would break the window and take the dog.

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