As an owner of a small petting zoo...not really but having 3 cats and a dog makes it feel like it some days. When my wife and I head out on the weekends we are generally accompanied by the dog. With the summer-like weather here for another day, now is a good time to remind people how hot the inside of vehicles can get. The National Weather Service sent out a tweet graphic that I found pretty helpful.


Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia, which occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day with temperatures in the 70s. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults.

Some people on hot days with kids or pets in the car will crack the windows in order to give the inside occupant some relief. According to the National Weather Service website, "even leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate."

With temps going to be hovering near 90 both today and tomorrow in SE Minnesota maybe think twice about bringing your pet along when you are running errands, or leave the vehicle on if you've got kids with you.

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