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Things Get Hotter Faster Than You Know
It seems common sense to animal lovers – never leave your dog in a hot car. What is surprising to many is the discovery of just how hot—and deadly— a vehicle can become on a day that feels merely warm to most of us.
 A study performed by Stanford University found that even on a mild, 72 degree day, a car’s internal temperature will rocket to 116 degrees within one hour. Temperatures as hot as 159 degrees have been recorded inside vehicles. It’s enough to kill or seriously injure any pet (or person) left in the vehicle. Even cracking the windows will not make a significant difference in the extreme temperatures inside.
Dogs mainly rely on panting to cool down their bodies, a method that is not nearly as effective as sweating. Breeds with heavy coats and flat faces may succumb to the heat faster, as will older dogs or those with medical conditions.
What to Do If You See a Pet in a Vehicle
Try to find the vehicle’s owner. Alert the management of businesses near where the vehicle is parked. If the owner does not return quickly, call local animal control or the police department immediately. Not only is it illegal for pet guardians to leave their animals in an enclosed vehicle under dangerous conditions, but law enforcement or animal control officers have the authority to break into a vehicle if they cannot locate an animal’s guardian after making a reasonable attempt to do so.
People often think they’ll “be back in a minute,” but it’s difficult to anticipate running into an old friend, being stuck in a line, or simply getting lost in the aisles. Be kind to your four-legged friends this summer, and drop them off at home before running errands.
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