When getting in the car on a hot Summer day, have you ever noticed how hot the interior of the car can be? Did you know a car acts like a greenhouse, trapping the sun's heat?
Now imagine being a dog or a cat wearing a fur coat being left in a car? This is such a dangerous situation that too many small animals will have to suffer from. Sadly many will even loose their lives. Learn how dangerous this can be with the data from two different studies below:
Study:
The Department of Geosciences of San Francisco State University performed a study to test the effects of how the sun can heat a car.Here are the details of their study:
How the study was preformed & what they were looking for:
- Study of temperature rise in enclosed cars on 16 dates between May 16 and Aug. 8, 2002.
- Ambient temperature were between 72 and 96 degrees F.
- Dark Blue mid-side sedan with medium grey interior
- Also tested with windows “cracked”
Study Conclusions:
- Average elapsed time and temperature rise:
- 10 minutes ~ 19 F
- 20 minutes ~ 29 F
- 30 minutes ~ 34 F
- 60 minutes ~ 43 F
- 1 to 2 hours ~ 45-50 F
- “Cracking” the windows had little effect
- Vehicle interior color probably biggest factor
What Is Best Practice?
Over all, what is the best for a dog or cat when it comes to car safety? When at all possible, plan your trips with your pet's to where you will not have to leave them in the car alone, even slightly a warm day. In a short period of time, temperatures in a car can heat up to uncomfortable or even dangerous levels. Just don't take the chance and risk your buddies health or life.