Every summer we hear heartbreaking stories of dogs collapsing, suffering heatstroke or tragically dying after being left in hot cars. Sadly, many of these incidents could have been prevented.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that leaving a window slightly open or parking in the shade will keep a car cool enough. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t true.
On a warm day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise incredibly quickly. Even when the outside temperature feels comfortable to us, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes. Dogs cannot cool themselves in the same way humans can, making them extremely vulnerable to heat related illness.
Why are dogs at such risk?
Dogs mainly cool themselves by panting. They have very few sweat glands, found mainly on their paw pads, so they cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as we can. When trapped in a hot car, their body temperature rises rapidly, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion and potentially fatal heatstroke.
Signs of heatstroke include:
• Excessive panting
• Thick saliva or drooling
• Bright red gums
• Lethargy or weakness
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Collapse
• Confusion or seizures
Heatstroke is a veterinary emergency. If you suspect a dog is suffering from heatstroke, begin cooling them safely and contact a veterinary practice immediately.
What should you do if you see a dog in a hot car?
If the dog appears distressed, contact the police on 999 if it is an emergency or seek assistance from nearby businesses to locate the owner. The RSPCA also advises documenting the situation and remaining with the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
The safest option is simple, never leave your dog in a parked car during warm weather, even for “just five minutes.”
Knowledge saves lives
Understanding how dogs regulate their body temperature is an important part of responsible ownership and professional grooming. The more we know, the better we can protect the dogs in our care.