BC SPCA constables are being inundated with calls this summer to rescue pets left in parked vehicles, according to the cruelty-prevention society.
Last month alone, the BC SPCA reports that it responded to 228 calls to rescue dogs in distress who had been left in hot cars by their guardians.
"The media is wonderful about helping us get the message out that it can be fatal to leave your pet in a hot car, even for 10 minutes, but still we receive hundreds of calls about animals in distress," said spokesperson Lorie Chortyk in a press release. "We can't stress strongly enough how dangerous this is for your pet."
Dogs can withstand high temperatures for only a very short time - in some cases just minutes - before suffering irreparable brain damage or death. The SPCA urges people to leave their pets at home if they can't keep them safe.
Heatstroke symptoms in dogs include exaggerated panting, rapid or erratic pulse, salivation, anxious or staring expression, weakness and muscle tremors, lack of co-ordination, convulsions or vomiting, and collapse.
