Prevent heat death: Report pets left in hot cars immediately
Every year throughout our region, pets are found dead in cars due to heat exhaustion, including those with windows cracked.
With outside temperatures often in the 90s and above, internal car temperatures can reach anywhere from 114 degrees after 10 minutes, to 140 degrees after an hour. Cracking a window often does nothing at all as rolling down the windows has been shown to have little effect on the temperature inside a car, according to the Humane Society of the U.S.
Short-nosed dogs are the most susceptible, but all pets are at risk. Even if temperatures feel alright for you, dogs especially have a much harder time adjusting to heat as they cannot sweat! According to the Humane Society, high temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death.
Pets should not be left inside vehicles for any amount of time when temperatures are high. Leave pets at home or bring them with you when you leave the car.
For community members, if you encounter a dog left in a vehicle, please contact Animal Control (775-887-2171) or the Sheriff’s Office (775-887-2008) immediately.