Hot Summer Weather Puts Pets in Peril

(Undated) -- Dogs left in cars are an all-too-common summertime sight in parking lots, and animal experts say it is both extremely dangerous for animals and could land their owners in hot water. Courtney Thomas with the S-P-C-A says animals can suffer heatstroke within minutes, as temperatures can soar inside a car, even with its windows cracked. Signs of heatstroke in animals can include panting and seizures. Thomas says it's critical to get an overheated animal to the veterinarian as quickly as possible, and to cool them down on the way – with cold, but not icy, water and compresses.