Dog in a Hot Car: What to Do

Every year in Texas dogs die of heat stroke from being locked in cars while their owners "run inside" of a store. Many people think it's ok to leave a dog in a car if the windows are rolled down or they are parked in the shade -- but that's a misconception that could be fatal! 

"Automobile temperatures can very quickly rise to dangerous levels; the average temperature increase in a parked car is 40 degrees, and the majority of this increase occurs in the first 15 to 30 minutes," says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. When it’s 80 degrees outside, your car will be a staggering 114 degrees after 30 minutes! Worse still, dogs can’t cool themselves down as easily as people, and once they overheat, they can suffer extensive organ damage or die.

So what should you do if you see a pet locked in a car?

Step 1: Try to Locate the Pet Parent

 Ask around or have the store you're at call for the pet parents over the loud speaker.

Step 2: Educate

 If you find the pet parents, explain the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car. Make sure the pet gets out of the car as soon as possible.

Step 3: Call 911

 It is against City Ordinance to keep a pet in a parked car alone, so call the police, they will respond and rescue the animal. The pet owner could receive a Class C Misdemeanor and a $500 fine.

Don't hesitate to take action -- even as early as 11am in the burning Texas summers it can be as hot as 120 degrees in a parked car! Being locked in a car can cause overheating, organ failure and death -- so act to save their lives!

So what are the best ways to cool down an overheating dog?

• Put rubbing alcohol on the pads of their feet - it's one of the quickest ways to cool them down
• Get cold water across and inside the mouth as quickly as possible
• Put a fan on them
• Rub them down with wet clothes
• Douse them with cold water

Article based on article by ASPCA