As dog parents, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of our four-legged friends. One crucial thing to be aware of is the danger of leaving a dog in a hot car. Despite it seeming harmless or necessary for a short while, it can quickly become dangerous and potentially deadly for the dog. The car can turn into an oxygen-deprived sauna in a very short time. Read on to understand why you should never leave your dog alone in a hot car and what you can do instead.

Never leave your dog in a hot car! Rapidly rising temperatures can cause life-threatening heatstroke. Learn the risks and how to protect your dog from overheating.

How quickly the heat in your car increases

One of the biggest dangers is that the temperature in a car can rise rapidly, even on a mild summer day. In just a few minutes, the temperature inside the car can become much higher than outside, leading to heat stress and heatstroke in the dog. This can be life-threatening and cause serious harm.

Dogs' difficulties in dealing with heat

Dogs have difficulty regulating their body temperature in the same way as we do. They cannot sweat in the same manner and rely on finding coolness through their paws or by panting. When they are confined in a hot car without adequate ventilation, it becomes very challenging for them to maintain their body temperature at a safe level.

Risks and symptoms of heat stroke

Heatstroke can lead to symptoms such as:

Breathing difficulties
Excessive salivation
Fatigue
Weakness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Seizures
Unconsciousness

In the worst cases, it can result in permanent brain damage or death. And it can all happen quickly!

Practical tips to prevent heat stroke

To protect your dog from heatstroke and keep it safe in the car, consider the following measures:

Avoid leaving your dog in the car when the sun is at its strongest and if the car is not in the shade.
Take your dog with you or have someone stay with your dog and walk in the shade.
Park in the shade and anticipate the movement of the sun so that you know the car remains in the shade.
Open all windows and the trunk wide! Ventilation is crucial. Make sure you have a crate or a cargo barrier to keep the dog safe inside the car.
Use sunshades (e.g., a silver blanket) to reflect the sun and reduce the heat inside the car
Ensure that your dog always has access to water.
There are ventilation hooks (short and long ones) for the trunk that allow you to prop it open while still locking the car.
Buy a portable fan and a AC that can be powered by a power bank to have in the car.
Set up a pet camera connected to your phone so that you can monitor the dog in the car and return if you notice signs of struggling with the heat.
Leave your phone number clearly visible for passersby so they can contact you if needed. Otherwise, they may break a window of the car to save your dog.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Laws on dogs in hot cars

In some countries you can be reported to the police if you leave a dog in a hot car. Find out about the animal welfare laws and legislations in your country.

Protect your dog by taking precautions

Leaving your dog in a hot car can have serious consequences and be life-threatening. It is our responsibility to protect our four-legged friends from the dangers of overheating. So, take your dog with you or get a dog sitter if the sun is scorching and the car feels like your only option. Better safe than sorry!

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Hot Car Hazards for Dogs: Understanding the Risks