Dogs And Hot Cars: A Lethal Combination

small white dog looking out the window of a locked car

    When the summer sun is shining, it’s tempting to take your dog along for the ride. But as much as your dog might love joining you for errands, there’s a serious risk lurking if you leave them in the car, even for just a few minutes.

    Cars can heat up quickly—faster than you might realize—and what seems like a brief stop could turn into a dangerous situation for your dog.

    On a warm day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to dangerous levels in just minutes, even with the windows cracked. This rapid increase in heat puts dogs at risk of heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

    In this article, we’ll break down just how fast cars can become unbearably hot and why you it’s not safe to leave a dog in a locked vehicle for any amount of time. We also explain what you should do if you ever come across a dog that is left alone in a locked car.

    KEY POINTS

    Dogs are highly susceptible to heatstroke when left in hot cars due to their limited ability to cool down.

    Rapid temperature increases inside vehicles can lead to critical rises in a dog’s body temperature within 10-30 minutes.

    Immediate veterinary care is critical if a dog shows signs of heatstroke to prevent fatal outcomes.

    Interior Vehicle Temperatures Quickly Become Lethal

    The temperature inside a car can increase by about 10-15°C (18-27°F) within the first 10 minutes. From there, it quickly gets worse, with most of the heat rise occurring in the first 30 minutes:

    20 minutes: Within 20 minutes, the interior temperature can rise by approximately 20°C (36°F), making the car around 45°C (113°F).

    30 minutes: After 30 minutes, the temperature can be about 25-30°C (45-54°F) higher than the outside temperature, reaching around 50-55°C (122-131°F).

    60 minutes: Within an hour, the temperature inside the car can be nearly 30-35°C (54-63°F) higher than the outside, potentially reaching up to 60°C (140°F).

    These rapid increases can occur regardless of whether the windows are cracked open. The interior materials of the car, like seats and dashboard, can also become much hotter than the air temperature, increasing the risk of heatstroke for any living being inside.

    small brown dog inside a locked car

    Why You Can’t Leave Your Dog in the Car for Even a “Few Minutes”

    Dogs have very little ability to sweat compared to humans, and their other mechanisms for cooling themselves (panting, seeking cool surfaces) do not work in hot environments.

    Their body temperature can begin to rise significantly within the first 10 minutes, and in less than 20 minutes their bodies will reach a critical threshold where heatstroke begins. Symptoms at this stage can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, and confusion.

    In less than 30 minutes, the dog’s body temperature can reach 42°C (107.6°F) or higher, leading to potential organ failure, seizures, and unconsciousness. Immediate intervention is necessary at this point to avoid certain death.

    Leave Your Dog at Home, Not in Your Car

    The best practice for dog owners is to leave them at home, especially during hot weather. If you must bring your dog along on errands or outings, ensure they have access to cool air and plenty of water, and NEVER  leave them alone in the car.

    It only takes a few minutes for temperatures to become dangerous, putting their life at risk. And putting animal’s health and life at risk is illegal almost everywhere, meaning your dog only has to be perceived to be at risk and you can be arrested and charged.

    Recommendations for Someone Who Finds a Dog Locked in a Car

    If you come across a situation where a dog has been left in a hot car, don’t walk away. Every minute counts when it comes to preventing heatstroke in dogs.

    1. Assess the Situation:
      • Check the dog’s condition. Look for signs of distress such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or unresponsiveness.
    2. Locate the Owner:
      • Try to find the owner by notifying nearby businesses or making an announcement if you are in a public area like a parking lot.
    3. Contact Authorities:
      • Call your local animal control or the non-emergency number for the police to report the situation. Provide them with the car’s make, model, color, and license plate number.
      • In many places, it is illegal to leave an animal in a hot car, and authorities are trained to handle these situations.
    4. Take Immediate Action if Necessary:
      • If the dog is in severe distress and help is not arriving quickly, some regions have Good Samaritan laws that protect individuals who break into cars to rescue animals. Make sure you are aware of the laws in your area before taking action, or you also might find yourself at the wrong end of the law.
    5. Provide Care:
      • Once the dog is safely out of the car, move it to a cool area and offer small amounts of water. Do not give ice-cold water or ice as it can cause shock. Get veterinary care as quickly as possible.

    References:

    bully type dog panting on a hot beach

    [All images used with permission or under licence]

    Author

    • Dr. Wendy Wilkins DVM PhD.

      Dr. Wendy Wilkins is an experienced veterinarian and epidemiologist with over 20 years of expertise. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Throughout her career, Dr. Wilkins has excelled in clinical practice, academia, research, and regulatory veterinary medicine. She is a respected voice in knowledge dissemination, delivering factual information in a readable and understandable manner through articles, books, and public engagements.

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