Facts About Dogs and Hot Cars

The timeframe between July and September is referred to as the “dog days of summer”, which marks the arrival of the hottest temperatures of the season, specifically in the Northern Hemisphere. While summer brings fun memories at the beach, pool, and everywhere in between, hot temperatures can pose a threat to vulnerable populations like young children and pets. One notable way that this happens occurs by accidentally leaving a pet in a hot car. So why is this dangerous, and what can you do to prevent it?

In the following article, we’ll share several facts and advice on how to keep your pets safe while out and about in your car this summer.

CARS GET HOT FAST

The danger of a parked car on a hot day has everything to do with how quickly it gets hot inside. Studies show that within ten minutes, the inside of a vehicle can rise almost twenty degrees – and that of course increases with each passing moment. The risk is exponentially worse when the outside temperature is at or above 80 degrees, because the air inside the car reaches well into the triple digits after just half an hour. If your dog is left inside a parked car in these conditions, heat stroke can occur quickly because dogs cannot easily regulate their body temperature when faced with hot and stagnant air. 

SHADE AND CRACKED WINDOWS DON’T HELP

What if you park in the shade, or leave the windows cracked while you quickly run an errand? Is this okay? The answer is no. Cracked windows do not substantially prevent rising temperatures in a parked vehicle. In fact, the temperature rise in a vehicle with an open window and one without is almost identical – meaning cracking a window does little to offer relief for an overheating pet. Similarly, do not think you’re safer parking in the shade. The sun’s shadows move throughout the day, and even a cooler outdoor temperature of 70 degrees is hot enough to cause heat stroke in a child or animal trapped inside a parked vehicle. 

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE

As mentioned above, heat stroke occurs when your pet cannot adequately control their body temperature, and particularly when confined in a hot car, this process happens quickly.

Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Panting
• Warm to the touch
• Vomiting
• Dry nose
• Drowsiness and/or trouble rousing
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, take them to their veterinarian immediately. 

STAY PREPARED THIS SUMMER

Stay prepared for any circumstances this summer. Pick up a Pet Emergency Card the next time you visit any of our locations or call to learn more. We want to partner with you to keep you and your pets healthy and safe this summer!