With temperatures soaring this week, Southbury Animal Control is offering a reminder to be cautious of animals and vehicles.  Their aim is to prevent a quick stop at the store from becoming an emergency visit to the vet. 

Even on mild days, with temperatures in low 70 degrees, the interior of a parked car can quickly reach 100 degrees.  On warmer 85-plus-degree days, Southbury Animal Control says cars can reach 115 degrees within 10 to 20 minutes, even if a window is left open or the car is parked in the shade. 

To report a pet left in a vehicle, contact 203-262-0613 or the non-emergency phone number of the Southbury Police Department at 203-264-5912.  

Dogs, like humans, can suffer from heatstroke and heat exhaustion.  But dogs are unable to sweat the way that humans do and panting is a dog’s primary function of cooling themselves off.  

Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and full collapse. It is essential that a dog displaying these symptoms get to a vet immediately, as these are life threatening conditions.