What to Do If a Dog is Left in a Hot Car

With May 23 being National Heat Awareness Day and the hot summer coming up, it is important to bring awareness to the issue of leaving dogs in hot cars. On an 80 degree day, the temperature in a car can rise to between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes. On a 100 degree day, the temperature in a car can rise to a whopping 160 degrees. Brain damage and heat stroke can occur in just a matter of 15 minutes of being left in a hot car. This is why it is so important that we all know exactly what to do in case of this emergency. Here’s how to save a dog from a heated car so none of our furry friends have any issues this summer.

When you see a dog locked in a hot car, take down the model, make, color, and license plate number of the car. Send out an alert to all nearby stores that the owner needs to report to their car immediately. However, make sure you DO NOT leave the dog alone at the scene. Send someone else to the nearby stores or have someone wait with the dog. If this is taking too long, call the police. It is important that you get the dog removed from the car as soon as possible. Heatstroke symptoms include panting, dark tongue, and rapid heartbeat. If you notice any of these, please act immediately.

Again, if it takes too long for the police to arrive, find witnesses that can back up your story of the dog suffering inside the car. Do what you can to remove the dog from the car before it is too late. You will have your witnesses to back up your story and you could potentially save the dog’s life. Once the dog is removed, take him or her to the veterinarian or to a cool, air conditioned building. It is important that the dog’s body temperature cools down.

It is always better to do something than nothing. A dog’s health and life is at risk even if it is exposed to a hot car for only a matter of minutes. The extra effort you make can save a life this summer.