My Dog is Cool by United Animal Nations
Every year, dogs suffer and die inside cars during the summertime heat. This time of year can be particularly deceptive. Cooler morning temperatures can rise quickly while dog owners run errands in air conditioned buildings. Leaving a dog for “just a minute” can lead to a tragic and entirely preventable death. Thanks to the United Animal Nations “My Dog is Cool” Campaign, you can save dogs’ lives.
ACT NOW!
Pre-print and place a “Don’t Leave Me in Here — It’s Hot!” flier under the windshield wiper of a parked car with animals inside. (Free PDFs are available in red & white or black & white.)
- Offer fliers and posters for display in stores, banks and the post office. See the full list of free printable fliers and posters at My Dog is Cool.
- Write a Letter to the editor of your local newspaper warning people about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. (Use UAN’s sample letter to the editor as a guide.) Check for restrictions on word length and other submission requirements.
Link to My Dog is Cool by placing a banner on your blog or website so others can learn what we know. Heat kills.
- Make a pledge to keep your dog cool. They’ll even post your photo and pledge in the “My Dog is Cool” photo gallery!
SEE A DOG IN DISTRESS IN A HOT CAR? Tips from My Dog is Cool…
Call the local animal control agency, police or 911 right away. If possible, you can also try to find the dog’s owner. Signs an animal is in distress include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Increased heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Disorientation
- Collapse or loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Respiratory arrest
At least 14 states and many municipalities have laws that specifically address the problem of animals left in cars in extreme temperatures. These laws often authorize law enforcement officials to enter a vehicle and remove the animal. Even states without these provisions may consider leaving an animal in an enclosed car to be animal cruelty.
HEAT STROKE! It might only be ten minutes … and the dog or cat will be near death. Find out more about what happens to dogs suffering from heat stroke … and how you can help!
BtC4animals.com never asks you to spend a cent, just a few minutes of your time.
It’s the greatest gift you can give.
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7 Responses to My Dog is Cool by United Animal Nations
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CONGRATULATIONS!
I blogged about this very site back in April:http://doggiesandstuff.com/doggies/dont-leave-me-in-here-%E2%80%94-its-hot/
I posted it early because of an argument I had with a co-worker, who had mentioned that she had gone shopping that weekend and took her dog with her. When I asked where she went shopping that she could take her dog with her she told me she left him in the car. The conversation was just that, a conversation, at first. It turned ugly when she insisted that he was fine parked under a tree with the windows cracked. It was 75 degrees outside. After throwing some facts at her about how the temperature rises in your car quickly, she began to get angry with me. I left a flier on her desk the next morning and on the back were facts about the temperatures rising inside cars in 70 degree and up temperatures. I’ve printed off a lot of the information on their site and keep them in my car. It’s a good thing I haven’t had to use them or call the police this year on anyone.
My dog is cool too!
I’ve mentioned this issue several times in my blog and column, it’s so important. This past weekend I saw a border collie tied up outside a Friendly’s restaurant. I thought, I’d never do that and leave my dog unattended in public, but at least she didn’t leave the dog in the car. Shortly the owner came emerged from the restaurant and gave her dog some water.
Doreen and Peggy,
We are so grateful that this subject is getting the attention it deserves. Education can go a long way in this area – it seems people just don’t understand how quickly the temperature can rise inside a car in the sun – even on a cool day. Thanks for adding your thoughts!
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Great information on this blog. It is a must that people learn about this campaign of not leaving dogs or any pets inside the car.
This is a great tool for informing people who leave their dogs in cars— I am in southern CA & will use these fliers. Can you please also provide the same tools to inform people NOt to leash their dogs to their bicylcles for exercise—especially in summer! Dogs are short sprinters not long distance runners. They would naturally sprint to catch prey in the wild, but would only travel long distances at a trot and most likely at night when it’s cool. please get the facts on this critical issue and post for us to use as fliers too!
Hi Janice, We’re so glad you find these fliers a valuable resource. The website we link to, mydogiscool.com, is provided by United Animal Nations. We simply highlight causes here at BTC4animals, we do not create them. If you would like to see UAN provide the resource you speak of, perhaps you could drop them a note.
All the best!
Kim