Sheriff: Don’t leave pets in hot vehicles

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists that during summer cracked windows won’t be enough to save animals from dangerously hot cars.

Every year, pets succumb to heat exhaustion as a result of being left in hot vehicles. As temperatures continue to rise, the CCSO K9 unit urges mindfulness of these dangers and to never leave your loved ones in a hot car.

Internal vehicle temperatures can rise as much as 20 degrees in 10 minutes, and even cracked windows won’t diminish the heating effect. Even when it’s only 60 degrees outside, the internal temperature of a car can reach 110 degrees. Short-nosed dogs are the most susceptible, but all pets are at risk.

If you encounter a dog left in a vehicle, contact animal control at 775-887-2171 or the sheriff’s office at 775-887-2008. If you have any direct medical questions or concerns, contact your local veterinarian.

For information regarding CCSO K9, or if you’d like to know how you can donate to the K9 unit, contact Sgt. Darin Riggin at driggin@carson.org or visit the sheriff’s office main building during regular business hours.