Plains heat and a heavy working dog
Oklahoma summers pair triple digits with wind and humidity, and large dogs overheat quickly.
University veterinary advice
An Oklahoma State University Extension veterinarian says a car interior can reach 115 degrees in 15 minutes even when the air temperature is only 80, and urges shade and cool water at home. A a 2022 OSU veterinary column advises keeping pets mostly indoors in air conditioning and warns that dog houses can get very hot inside. A a 2018 OSU veterinary column says to get a heat-stressed dog to a veterinarian even if it seems to cool down, since internal damage may not be visible.
The hot car question
A KJRH report from Tulsa quoted a veterinarian saying Oklahoma has no laws protecting dogs from hot cars the way it does children, while a McAlester News-Capital report said a person can face a misdemeanor or felony charge if a pet is left in a hot vehicle. Because reports differ, do not test it: leave the dog at home.
A summer routine
- Exercise at dawn or after dark.
- Never leave the dog in a parked car.
- Provide shade and cool water all day.
- Check pavement with your hand.
- Know your nearest emergency veterinarian.
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