With the summer months and weather here, the West Plains Police Department and West Plains Animal Control would like to remind you about the potential dangers of leaving your dog (or other furry friend) in your vehicle.
Animal Control Officer Brad Vannada says it doesn’t take long to put your pet in a harmful situation. In just 10 minutes, temperatures in your car can reach 102 degrees or hotter. At 30 minutes, the temperatures rise even higher to 120 degrees or hotter. At 110 degrees, your pet can suffer heat stroke and brain damage. Allowing an animal to be harmed in this way is considered animal abuse.
If your pet is overheated, take emergency action. Take your pet to a cool area, give a cold water rub down to lower body temperatures and take them to your local veterinary office.
When in doubt, just remember: “70 degrees and over, don’t take Rover”.
