Dogs In Hot Cars

Summer’s here and the sunshine is glorious! But with the heat comes hidden dangers, especially for our furry companions. We all love bringing our dogs along for the ride, but leaving them in a parked car, even for a “quick” errand, can be a recipe for disaster.

In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of hot cars for dogs, how quickly a car can turn into an oven, and what to do if you see a dog in distress. We’ll also share some top tips for keeping your pup cool and happy on a hot day. So, crank up the paw-l pomy music, roll down the windows (safely, of course!), and let’s hit the road – responsibly!

How Hot is too Hot for Dogs in a Car

When the weather is good, there is nothing better than getting out and about with your four-legged friend. You might think a pleasant summer day wouldn’t be a problem, but don’t be fooled! Cars act like greenhouses, trapping the sun’s heat and causing the temperature inside to soar very quickly.

It’s generally considered unsafe to leave a dog in a car on any day when the temperature climbs above 21 degrees Celsius. Even at seemingly mild temperatures, the inside of your car can reach dangerous levels in a frighteningly short amount of time. Therefore, leaving your dog in a car can result in rapid overheating, and if a dog’s internal temperature exceeds 41°C, it can prove fatal.

Dogs control their temperature through panting, however, in extreme temperatures, this isn’t enough to stop them from overheating. The hot conditions of a car can quickly cause your dog to become dehydrated, get heatstroke or even die.

This means in hot weather, there is no safe option when it comes to leaving a dog in the car, even if you park in the shade, use sunshades or leave your dog with access to water. Remember, your dog’s health is paramount, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and leave them at home on hot days.

How Long Can a Dog Last in a Hot Car

This is a tricky one because it depends on several factors, like the breed, age, and overall health of the dog. However, what we can definitively say is that it doesn’t take long for a situation to become life-threatening.

In just fifteen minutes, a car on a warm day can turn into a sweltering furnace, and dogs can suffer heatstroke in that short timeframe. Even with the windows cracked open or water left behind, a parked car simply isn’t equipped to regulate temperature effectively, putting your dog at serious risk.

It’s never worth the gamble – leave your furry friend at home on hot days, or take them with you only if you can guarantee they’ll stay cool and comfortable throughout the outing.

What are the Dangers of Leaving a Dog in a Hot Car?

Leaving your dog in a hot car isn’t just a discomfort; it’s a recipe for disaster. Unlike humans, dogs cool themselves primarily through panting.

In a hot car, panting becomes ineffective, leading to overheating and potentially fatal heatstroke. This can damage organs, cause seizures, and even lead to death. Even short stints in a hot car can be dangerous, causing dehydration, dizziness, and vomiting.

Remember, a parked car isn’t a safe haven on a warm day – it’s a ticking time bomb for your beloved canine companion.

Signs a dog has heatstroke

It is important you are aware of the common signs of heatstroke in dogs so you can take appropriate action. Common symptoms include:

It’s not just our own dogs we need to look for though, it is important to take action whenever you see a dog in a hot car.

Is Leaving a Dog in a Hot Car a Crime in the UK?

In the UK it is not actually illegal to leave a dog in the car, even in hot weather. However, if the dog became ill or died as a result of your actions you could be charged with animal cruelty. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, drivers can be jailed for six months and slapped with an unlimited fine.

What To Do if You See a Dog Trapped in a Car?

If you see a dog in a hot car, you should take immediate action. Dogs can deteriorate rapidly with heatstroke, so can appear ok one minute but quite quickly show signs of distress. 

This is why even if the dog appears to be comfortable, you should act as if you do not know how long it has already been in the car or how much longer it will be left for. 

If the dog appears distressed or shows signs of heatstroke: 

Dial 999 and ask for the police. Give them as much detail as possible and follow any actions they give you.

Many people call the RSPCA helpline first, but in cases where the dog is already showing symptoms, they are unlikely to be able to help quickly enough or have the authority to act, so it is best to just phone 999.

If the dog is showing no signs of distress –

In all cases, if you can’t track down the owner, you should call the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 123 4999 and get advice on what to do. Or, if you are worried about the dog, or its condition worsens you should call 999 to get more immediate help.

Is it Against the Law to Break Someone’s Window to Free a Distressed Dog?

If the police are unable to attend and the dog is in danger, some people believe that it is acceptable to break the car window.

Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Even if you are acting in the dogs best interests, smashing a window can be classed as criminal damage and lead to you having to defend your actions in court. 

Criminal Damage Act 1971 section 5 (2)(a) states you:

“have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to damage if they knew the circumstances.”

Therefore it is always advisable to call the police to seek advice before taking action. If it is necessary to rescue the dog from the car, you should document your actions in case you need to defend your actions further down the line. If possible:

• Take photos or get video evidence of the dog in the car

• Take down the names and numbers of any eyewitnesses

• Try and get someone to video you breaking into the vehicle and get them to send you the video as evidence

• Stay on the phone to the police so you can give them a running commentary

• Write a report of the event as soon as you can after the event

How to Help a Dog That Has Overheated in a Car

When cooling a dog suffering from overheating or heatstroke, it is important not to cool them down too quickly, which could send them into shock. Instead, follow these top tips:

• Move the dog out of the heat and into a shady area

• Offer small drinks of room temperature water to drink and avoid giving icy water if possible

• Fan them with cool air

• Pour room temperature water onto the dog or sponge them down paying attention to the neck, tummy and inner thigh areas

• Call a vet for advice

If the dog is very distressed or unconscious, it will need to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. When transporting the dog, put the air conditioning on or travel with a window down, so it benefits from the cool breeze.

For more information on how to keep your dog safe in the hot weather consult your vet.