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New Product Solves Dog In Car Dilemma

by on Sep 1st, 2011
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If you’re a dog owner, I’m sure this scenario has crossed your mind … you’re on your way home from the dog park and remember you need to stop at the store for milk. You park your car in the shade, roll down the windows a bit to let in the breeze, and tell your dog you’ll be right back. As you’re hurrying through the frozen food section you step in a puddle of melted ice cream – your feet go out from under you and your head hits so hard you’re knocked unconscious. While you’re disoriented and waiting for the paramedics, the sun shifts and your car begins heating up …

What do you mean that thought has never occurred to you? I suppose it’s a product of my disturbing lack of gracefulness – but the point is, it could happen! And if it did, I’d want someone to bust the windows of my car and rescue my dog.

On the other hand, back in the days before we had the Winnebago, we left the dogs in the car one morning and ran into a cafe for a quick bite to eat. We were sitting at a table where we could see the car, and it was about 55 degrees and sunny outside. Just after we placed our order a woman came up and laid into us for abusing our dogs by leaving them in a cold car. I knew the dogs were fine – the car had been running and was comfortable inside, we’d cracked the windows to give the boys a little air, and they were curled up having a nap after our hike – but there was no convincing this woman that Ty and Buster were not freezing to death.

I just found out about a new product that will resolve both these issues – the Too Hot for Spot thermometer!


Too Hot for Spot Thermometer

Image from DogCar.biz

The inventor, Denise Pruett, says that after working for a veterinarian she wanted to raise awareness of the dangers pets face in cars that are too hot or cold. She designed the thermometer to give pet owners real time information to make intelligent choices when traveling with their pets. The display also serves as an educational and safety tool. Imagine someone walking by your empty car, noticing the temperature inside, and then reconsidering leaving their own pet alone. You could save a life without saying a word!

I haven’t tried it myself yet, but at just $10.95 plus $1.95 for shipping in the US, the price can’t be beat. I think I know what every dog lover on my Christmas list will be getting this year! :-)

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Comments

Comment Archive

Melspetpals Sep 11, 2011 at 10:44 pm
I've been meaning to comment on this one since I saw Edie post it on FB.  I really love this product idea! The reality is that people are going to bring their dogs in the car with them. Educating them is good, but having something that can help trigger some forethought it even better.  So sharing this one guys!
Julie Melfi Sep 7, 2011 at 11:49 pm
Love it! I'm always such a baby about bringing Cali in the car if it's even 70 degrees - since she is black and seems to pant most of the time!!
Pup Fan Sep 3, 2011 at 10:17 pm
This is a really cool idea!
Lis Carey Sep 3, 2011 at 3:28 pm
So, there's no value in helping good dog owners be more effective in keeping their pets safe? No value in helping those who intend to be good owners, but don't know what's too hot or too cold for safety for their pets, and would appreciate the guidance? There will always be irresponsible people in the world. If you place your hopes of making life better for animals on making all humans responsible, you are doomed to disappointment. OTOH, if you look at the progress we have made and can still make by helping those who mean to be responsible and mean to be kind to know what the good decisions are and help them do it, then you'll feel a whole lot better.
Amy@GoPetFriendly Sep 2, 2011 at 9:04 pm
Yep - it's pretty much a given that it's always going to be too hot there, Monsheri. Although, I'm sure vets still see dogs that have been left in cars anyway.
Amy@GoPetFriendly Sep 2, 2011 at 9:03 pm
Yeah - that's what I love about it Karen! Most people are aware of the dangers of a hot car, but being in a cold vehicle can be just as life threatening for a dog.
Amy@GoPetFriendly Sep 2, 2011 at 9:01 pm
Well, since this is the kind of thing that goes through your mind, Pamela, I'd say we're both sick puppies. =)
Amy@GoPetFriendly Sep 2, 2011 at 9:00 pm
That's a great idea - thanks for the tip, Hawk's Human!
Amy@GoPetFriendly Sep 2, 2011 at 9:00 pm
If only, Cherie, if only!
Hawk aka BrownDog Sep 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Hi Y'all, Great idea, if some fanatic doesn't call the animal shelter to confiscate your animals instead of notifying you or simply breaking a window, if they can with the safety glass.  You can get a card, similar to the one for your front door, to keep in your wallet and notify rescuers that you have a pet somewhere that needs help if you're disabled.  If you don't want to donate to get one, just write the info on a piece of paper and put it with your medical cards in your wallet.  On the card indicate who to notify to care for your pets until you are able.  Y'all come by now, BrownDog's Human
Cherie K. Miller Sep 2, 2011 at 12:34 pm
The only problem that I see with this product is all of the "good" dog owners will buy it and be careful and all of the "bad" dog owners will still act stupid with their dogs in the car....is there a product that cures stupidity?
Pamela Webster Sep 2, 2011 at 10:04 am
I'm horrified by your scenario of slipping in the store and getting knocked out while your dogs melt to a puddle in the car. That's exactly the kind of thing that goes through my mind. You are a sick puppy, Amy.
Karen Friesecke Sep 2, 2011 at 5:57 am
What a neat little gadget! I love that it goes down to minus 60. Perfect for our Canadian  Winters! Hopefully nobody is dumb enough to leave their dog in the car when it's that cold.
Monsheri Sep 1, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Great idea and love them. Only problem, I live in an area that generally never gets out of the red. (deep south Louisiana).
Kristine Sep 1, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Such a nifty little idea! I think I have seen them around, come to think of it, but for some reason I never looked into investigating further. Most people just don't think. They think "I'll only be gone five minutes..." But unfortunately sometimes only five minutes when it's boiling outside is enough to cause serious medical problems. No one wants to return to their car to find their dog seriously ill. The more awareness is raised, the more people may choose to go for that milk another time.

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