Is it too hot to take a dog along for a ride? People need to think about this every time they consider taking the pet along during summer months. On July 13, I received a call from Elaine Adair with Mississippi Spay and Neuter. She had gone to the courthouse and noticed a dog left in a car.

Kelly Stevens, our board secretary and employee at the courthouse, began calling emergency officials about the situation. Even though the car was in the shade with the windows cracked this is still a very dangerous situation for a dog.

The Animal Protection Institute produced a study that revealed that even if it is 85 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car — even with the windows left slightly open — can soar to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes.

Folks, it’s Mississippi and about to be August. We haven’t seen 85-degree weather since April and the first of May. If you are not able to leave your vehicle running with air conditioning on, leave your pet home. These people were located touring the Old Court House Museum. Elaine and Kelly stood outside the locked car with the dog in it for 30 minutes.

A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101 to 102.5 degrees. They can withstand a body temperature of 107 for only a very short period of time before suffering brain damage or even death. It’s just not cool to leave your dog in a hot car.

The Vicksburg Warren Humane Society asks citizens who see this situation to call 911 immediately. Also, for public information: if your dog is overcome by the heat, immediately soak the animal with water, and seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

Georgia Lynn

President/Director

Vicksburg Warren Humane Society