Dogs & Hot Cars

May 16

Can I Leave My Dog in the Car with a Cracked Window? As temperatures rise and summer begins, we need to keep our pet's safety at the forefront of our minds. Even leaving your pet in a hot car for just a second can prove to be a fatal mistake. Temperatures can rise to dangerous levels very quickly and these elevated temperatures can put your pet at risk for heat stroke. Even if the window is cracked, you should never leave your dog alone in the car. In some states, it is even illegal. Avoid these unfortunate mishaps by practicing summer safety.

Hot Car, Big Problems

On a day reaching temperatures in the 70s, the interior of a vehicle can feel like a balmy 99 degrees in minutes. On extremely hot days, temperatures inside parked cars can climb to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in less than one hour, according to the AKC. It can be extremely dangerous to your pet’s health and well-being.

You might be asking yourself, “if I crack the window, could I leave my pet in the car?" The short answer is no. According to the AVMA, cracking a window changes the temperature very little. The study states that parked cars with windows cracked heat up at the exact same rate as a car with the windows rolled up.

Parked cars can be lethal for pets. It is important to know what to do if you see a pet in a parked car. First, take down the car's make, model, and license plate number then notify any nearby businesses or security guards. Some stores might have the ability to make an announcement to find the car’s owner.

If the owner cannot be found, call the non-emergency number of the local police or animal control, and wait by car for them to arrive. Some states allow good Samaritans to legally remove animals from cars under certain circumstances, so be sure to know the laws in your area and follow any steps required.

You can read about the laws concerning animals and parked cars here.

Signs of Heatstroke

Heatstroke prevention is the best medicine but being prepared for the worst-case scenario is also a good practice. Whether you are saving your dog or a random dog in a store parking lot, it is important to know the signs.

Symptoms of Overheating

Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
Increased heart and respiratory rate
Drooling
Mild weakness
Stupor
Collapse

Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.

How to Help

If your pet starts to show signs of heat stroke, it is important to act quickly. Take your pet to a cooler area, preferably indoors. You can help lower their body temperature by wetting them thoroughly with cool water. Don't use cold water as cooling your pet down too quickly can be just as dangerous as heat exhaustion. Help reduce their fever by applying cool water around their paws and ears. You can use a fan to help them dry off and let them drink cool water. The next step would be to call your vet’s office as soon as possible. Pets may need to be monitored for shock, dehydration, kidney failure, and other complications of heat exhaustion, even if they seem to be recovering. Before you head out on errands with your pet, ask yourself if you really need to take your pet with you – and if you hesitate, leave your pet safely at home.