Reminder: Never Leave Your Pet In a Parked Car During Hot Summer Days

Editor's note: This information comes from the City of Lakewood.

The Lakewood Police Department is cautioning people to never leave their dog or cat in a parked car during hot summer days -- even during a short trip to the store. The build up of heat inside a vehicle can kill an animal quickly.

On an average summer day, the temperature inside a car can reach 160 degrees, and even  if you leave your window cracked, a pet can die of heat prostration in a short time. Even if an animal survives in a hot car, they can easily suffer unseen brain damage.

Dogs and cats don’t sweat the same way people sweat. An animal’s lungs are its main cooling system, and when it only has overheated air to breathe, it cannot live very long. Shaded parking areas, open windows and air-conditioned cars are not the answer either; it is illegal to leave a car running. 

According to city code 06.4.045 - Confinement of Animal in a Motor Vehicle, those who leave an animal in a vehicle "in such a manner that places it in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a prolonged period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold" face a fine of up to $75 the first time, $125 the second time and $250 the third time and for all subsequent offenses. 

So pet owners, make sure you leave your four-legged friend at home when you're out and about this summer. It could save his or her life!