Many of us know from our own experiences how hot a parked car can get in the summer. How many times have you climbed into unbearable sauna type temps after running errands? You've probably also noticed that parking under a tree has little to zero effect on the temperature that can be reached inside a vehicle that has been left standing for any length of time. Cracking the window open for "fresh air" is also non-effective for cooling purposes. Leaving a dish of water in a hot car while a dog waits for its human to return is also an insufficient guard against heat exhaustion and dehydration for the captive animal. 

Some pet owners are still telling themselves that it's OK to leave their pets in vehicles for "just a moment" while they dash into a store. Actually, its not OK and, in fact, its quite cruel to leave any animal unattended in a sweltering vehicle for any length of time. It takes less then 10 minutes for the temperature in a parked car to rise to 102 degrees Celsius. In 30 minutes the temperature can sky rocket to a baking hot 120 degrees Celsius. No living creature should be expected to sit calmly and quietly in such an environment. The best place for your pet to be while you run errands is safely at home. They might miss you but the silver lining is that they will be safe and comfortable and ready for lots of snuggles when you walk in the door. 

Many provinces and states are bringing pet safety laws into effect that will in essence protect the rights of animals trapped in hot vehicles. This awareness does not, however, ensure that pets are no longer being locked in hot vehicles for short and long periods of time. So the question becomes, what to do if you come across an animal suffering in a vehicle? 

There are several things you can do to immediately control the situation:

• get on your cell phone and call your local animal control centre
• call the non emergency police number
• enter local businesses to search for the owner
• call a tow truck company to have them open the car doors
• call 911 if the animal appears to be suffering, i.e. extreme lethargy, extreme panting, thick drooling saliva, seizures, loss of consciousness 

*note, not all provinces/states accept 911 calls for dogs locked in cars, research a police non emergency number in your city and add it as a contact in your cell phone (just in case!)

• in life or death situations, try the car door, it could be unlocked
• last resort life saving effort is breaking into the vehicle to rescue an animal in distress

Seeing an animal suffering is an emotional charged experience so it's important to keep calm regardless of the situation you may be involved in. While the survival of innocent animals is utmost, staying calm is the best way to navigate a difficult scenario. If you do see an animal clearly suffering from heat exposure, remember that your composure could be the defining factor in saving a life. 

Not all provinces are on board with the idea of smashing the glass of a vehicle to save animals and, in some cases charges have been laid against the rescuer. In other cases, authorities will fine the pet owner but the law is not as yet clearly defined as to what is a suitable punishment. There are provisions in The Animal Care Act of Manitoba that state an animal is defined as being in distress if there is "confinement with insufficient ventilation" but nowhere does the Act indicate that being trapped in a hot car is actionable. 

All across Canada the laws are slowly being rewritten to consider the rights of animals and their rescuers. In the meantime, it may be up to kind and caring citizens like you and me to keep a watchful eye out for the safety of beings incapable of asking for help. Don't be afraid to speak up, reach out for help, involve others and, save a life. 

Lawn care is a chore that most of us take very seriously and, tend to spend a significant amount of time, energy and, money on. If you share your home and yard with a four legged fur baby, there are some things to take into consideration prior to planting and maintaining plants and grass. 

For the most part, pet safety is not a consideration in the manufacturing process of lawn and garden items such as fertilizer and weed control sprays. There are, however, some companies that produce pet safe products that can be used with no threat to your family pet. Alternatively, making home made pesticides, lawn care items and, weed killers is also an option for the green thumb in your family. 

The same cautions that you use for your lawn care products should be exercised when choosing an insect repellant spray. Instead of purchasing a store bought bug spray, why not try one of these DIY recipes. They are easy to make and, safe to apply to your pooch. If you are going to make your own batch, please read through to the cautions at the end of the page. 

I myself use a lemon/rosemary spray that I make in my own kitchen. It's as simple as slicing lemons into a bowl, adding rosemary sprigs and, pouring boiling water over everything. After the water cools I strain the mixture into spray bottles and keep one at my back door. The dog gets a couple squirts before heading out into the back yard and, I use it on myself as well. For an extra bug be gone kick, add a squirt of real Vanilla Extract. Smells nice too! 

Some plants are not dog safe and, if ingested, can have harmful to fatal effects on your family pet. The same is true for chemicals that are commonly used to enhance growth and eliminate insects. Before applying any sort of chemical to your lawn or garden, make sure to have a good read of the label and ask questions at the point of purchase. 

Before planting, have a look at what is and is not safe to plant in proximity to your dog. Dogs are famous for grazing on lawns, flowers and, shrubs so its ultra important to be putting pup-safe items in your home and yard.  

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic plant of the indoor or outdoor variety, an immediate vet visit is in order.