On May 20, Squamish RCMP received two separate complaints of dogs being left in hot cars.
Police and bylaw officers measured each car’s internal temperatures at 31 and 30 degrees respectively, too hot for dogs to be inside, even with windows rolled down.
Police remind dog owners to leave their dogs at home, take dogs into stores that are dog-friendly, or have someone look after their dogs on warmer days.
According to the SPCA, harmful, and even life-threatening effects can occur in a short time in a hot car.
Dogs can’t release heat by sweating, as humans do, so their internal body temperature rises more quickly.
Some dogs, including senior pets and those with flatter faces, experience even more challenges in hot weather. At the end of the day, it’s best to simply leave your dog at home where there’s more space, water and shade, SPCA says.
SPCA also recommends that people call police if they see a dog in a hot car and not try to break a glass window.
“Not only are you putting yourself at risk when you break a glass window, but you also risk harming the dog,” BC SPCA says.
Only RCMP, local police, and BC SPCA Special Constables have the authority to enter a vehicle lawfully to help a pet in distress.
