Summer heat and a heavy working dog
Heat waves in the Northwest arrive with little practice behind them, and big dogs pay first.
State health guidance
The Oregon Health Authority heat release says never to leave children, older adults or pets in parked cars. Its guidance applies to anyone planning outdoor time in a heat wave.
County pet tips
The Multnomah County pet heat page advises water, shade and avoiding excessive exercise in heat, and notes that pets are welcome at county cooling centers when they are activated, with limited kennel space. The county pet cooling tips suggest walking on grass or dirt at 80 degrees or higher and testing pavement with your hand for ten seconds.
The hot-car law
A KLCC report on Oregon's hot-car law describes Oregon's Good Samaritan law, which allows people other than police to enter a vehicle to remove an unattended child or domestic animal without criminal or civil liability when the statute's conditions are met. Do not count on someone else to rescue your dog; just do not leave it.
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