Deadly heat in a parked car demonstrated Tuesday in Rancho Santa Fe, CA

"It's the worst possible way I can imagine for a pet to die" says an animal care provider at Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe. The statement is referring to a family pet overcome by heat stroke after being left unattended in a family car for "just a few minutes" while its owner ran into a store.

To show pet lovers and parents how quickly heat can build up inside a vehicle, Helen Woodward Animal Center spokesman John Van Zante will lock himself inside a van on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00. A thermometer will monitor the rising temperature.

"Each year we warn people not to leave their kids or pets in a car parked in the sunshine," says Van Zante. "But there's always somebody who just doesn't get it. This year we're going to show just how fast the temperatures can become deadly."

Heat Stroke in a dog can begin with heavy panting and drooling, which is its only way to sweat. If this doesn't cool the dog, its body temperature starts to rise and its heart begins to race. The panting can be followed by crying, then seizures, collapse, vomiting, coma, and possibly death. "Nobody wants this to happen to their best friend, but ignorance causes heat-related deaths to animals and children every summer."

Van Zante says puppies, as well as dogs that are large, overweight, older, or taking medication, carry higher risk. He points out that the inside of a car is not the only dangerous place. Any pet outdoors with no shade or water is also at risk.

Normal body temperature for a dog is 101 to 102 degrees. A 3-degree rise can put a dog into a dangerous situation and increase its need for oxygen. At 108 degrees the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and intestinal tracts begin to break down.

Many experts say that a temperature of 110 inside a car can cause heatstroke. If you believe that your pet is overheating bring it into air conditioning. You can immerse it in cool water and give it "sips" of water. If necessary, apply ice packs and immediately take your dog to your veterinarian.

Helen Woodward Animal Center is located at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. For more information about pet safety visit the Center or call 858-756-4117.