Dogs die in hot cars

Dogs in hot cars and travelling tips

Is it dangerous to leave your dog in a hot car?

Yes. Never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day. Dogs mainly control their body temperature by panting. When a dog is very hot, panting isn’t enough to stop them from overheating. In warm weather the temperature inside a parked car can climb rapidly and will be much higher than outside of the vehicle.  Dogs left alone in a car on a hot day can quickly become dehydrated, develop heat stroke or even die.

How long can I safely leave my dog in a car on a warm day? 

We would not recommend that you leave your dog unattended on a warm day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Heatstroke can happen quickly and can be fatal.

If I park in the shade, or leave a window open, can I leave my dog in a car on a warm day?

No. The temperature in your car can still rise to dangerous levels, even if you leave the window open, park in the shade or put a sunshade on your window.

If I leave the dog a bowl of water, is it ok to leave a dog in a car on a warm day?

No. Heat stroke can still happen if your dog has access to water.

What are the signs a dog has heatstroke or is in distress?

• Heavy panting
• Dribbling
• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weakness
• The dog appearing drowsy
• Collapse

What should I do if I see a dog trapped in a hot car?

• Even if the dog appears well, they can deteriorate quickly, so take action immediately.
• Make an assessment on the urgency of the situation. If the dog is distressed, or you are concerned that it could soon become distressed, dial 999 and ask for the police.

If the dog is not yet distressed

• If the car is parked at a supermarket, shopping centre or an event, see if you can find someone to stay with the dog while you look for someone to make an announcement on the tannoy. Don’t forget that you will need:
  • The car type and colour
  • Registration number
  • Rough location
• Call the RSPCAs 24-hour cruelty line for further advice on 03001234999
• If you are unable to reach the owner, or if you are concerned about the dog at any point, dial 999.

Can I legally break a car window to save the dog?

If the police are unable to attend and the dog is in distress, some people may begin to think about breaking a window to rescue the dog. Be aware that this may be classed as criminal damage and you may need to defend your actions in court.

The law states that you have a lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances (section 5(2)(a) Criminal Damage Act 1971).

Documenting your actions if trying to rescue a dog from a hot car

If you think the dog is in danger dial 999 and speak to the police first and ask for their advice. If it is necessary for you to rescue the dog, document your actions as best as possible in case you need to defend yourself in court:

• Take photos, or better still a video of the dog in the car.
• Take the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
• Ask someone to video you breaking in to the car on their mobile phone and ask them to send it to you afterwards.
• Remain on the phone to the police while giving a running commentary so that it is recorded.
• Write a detailed report as soon as you are home to document what happened.

Helping a dog that’s been in a hot car

If the dog is very unwell or unconscious it will need to be seen immediately by a vet. You can find a local vet here.

Dogs suffering from heatstroke need their temperatures lowered slowly.  If it is cooled too rapidly they can go into shock. Below are some tips on how to gradually lower a dog’s temperature.

• Move the dog out of the heat and in to some shade.
• Offer the dog small amounts of cool, rather than cold, water.
• Fan the dog with cool air.
• Wrap the dog in a cool, damp towel or spray/dowse with cool (not cold) water. Pay particular attention to the head.
• Cool the dog’s tongue by dabbing it with a cold, damp cloth

Tips on travelling in the car on a warm day

• Consider the weather and your journey in advance, especially if you don't have air conditioning in your vehicle. Think about whether the journey is absolutely necessary for your dog.
• Keep the air conditioning on or drive with the windows open.
• Make sure your dog has plenty of space and isn't squashed or forced to sit in direct sunlight.
• Use sun shades on your windows: even in an air conditioned vehicle a dog can become too hot if in full sun.
• Take plenty of stops with lots of water available to drink.
• Take cool water in a thermos rather than a plastic bottle so it stays cold rather than being lukewarm. Ice cubes are helpful in a thermos for cooling too.
• Be aware of the signs of overheating in dogs (see above)

Tips on travelling on public transport on a warm day

• If possible, avoid travelling on a warm day. If essential, then aim to travel during cooler times of the day.
• Always carry fresh water and a bowl. If there are any delays or malfunctions with air conditioning, a cooling drink for your dog will be essential.
• Carry a small battery operated fan to keep your dog cool
• If possible check that the public transport you intend to use is air conditioned