How Hot is too Hot??

A Canadian teen concerned about leaving pets in a hot car is trying to figure this out. 13 year old Brain Larson of Canada is developing a car alarm that can alert pet owners to high heat danger for their pets in cars. The temperature on the interior of a car can reach sweltering heights in just minutes. Pets can be much more sensitive to this rapid heat increase. Larson first thought of the idea two years ago when his aunt and uncle lost two dogs to heat stroke. Windows and vents to the RV were open, but the heat was too great for the two animals.

Larson will be conducting research all summer to develop the car alarm system. The alarm will have two parts. The first will be an electric temperature gauge installed in the interior of the car. The second will be a device that will be carried by the owner on their key ring. When heats approach a dangerous level, the box will send a signal to the key fob, alerting the owner that the temperature is raising. With the help of local businesses, Larson will be recording temperatures and then developing a prototype product. If all goes according to plan, the prototype should be completed two months after the research is complete.

Larson hopes to reduce the number of pets suffering from heat stroke because they are left in hot cars. Until this product is available, here are some other tips to remember pet summer time safety.

• Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down, unless the outdoor temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bring extra water
• If your dog is panting excessively or with great force, get him out of the heat and give room temperature water. – Giving ice could complicate the problem by constricting blood vessels.
• See a vet immediately if you suspect heat stroke – it is a life threatening emergency