Labrador dies of heat stroke in parked car

A male Labrador mix died of heat stroke Tuesday after his owner allegedly went to lunch, forgot about his dog locked in his car and didn't return for 2 1/2 hours.

The dog's death prompted Salt Lake County Animal Services to remind pet owners not to leave any living creature locked in a hot car during the high summer heat.

About 1:30 p.m. police were called to a parked car near 300 East and 300 South where a dog was "thrashing around" inside, apparently in seizure, Animal Services spokeswoman Temma Martin said.

The car was not parked in the shade and all of its windows were rolled up.

The policeman broke a window and got the dog out and firefighters performed CPR. But it was too late, Martin said.

The owner returned to find paramedics trying to resuscitate his dog. He apparently had stopped to visit someone and thought he would only be a few minutes but ended up going to lunch, Martin said.

She said the man was very upset by what happened but was still given a citation for animal cruelty.

"You can't leave an animal or child in the car for a second," Martin said. "Anything can go wrong. Never take an animal in the car unless it's getting out with you when you stop."

Last week, she conducted an experiment in her car where she left the windows rolled down an inch-and-a-half and left a thermometer in the car. After starting at 100 degrees the temperature in the car quickly rose to 126 degrees after five minutes and 141 degrees after 30 minutes.

Dogs pant because they don't sweat. But if there is no fresh air circulating, a dog is forced to recycle that hot air while panting if they're locked in a car, Martin said.

"His organs began to cook. I know that's graphic and horrible (to say) but that's what happens," she said.

In addition to leaving dogs locked in a car Martin said pet owners also need to be careful of leaving their dogs outside all day with inadequate water and no shelter. Likewise, she said those who take their dogs on hikes or jogs need to recognize the signs of heat stroke.

Symptoms include glazed eyes, heavy panting, vomiting and dizziness.

If an animal shows signs of heat stroke, cool him from the outside by applying ice packs or water to his body, Martin said. Then have the dog lick ice cubes rather than drinking water and get the animal to a vet immediately.

Salt Lake County Animal Services typically receives between three to six calls a day of animals suffering in the heat, Martin said.

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