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Update: Could Your Car Become a Heat Trap?
Why you should never leave your dog in the car when it's hot outside
Many people often assume that it is ok to leave their dog in the car if you're parked in the shade or the window is left open. In reality there is really no safe way of leaving your pet alone in the car. Even on milder days, as cars are made of metal and glass, these materials quickly absorb heat, causing the interior to reach unbearable temperatures in just a short amount of time.
Temperatures are rising rapidly
Warm weather can be very pleasant when outside, but a mild 23°C outside can quickly turn a car into a heat trap. Dogs left in a locked car can find themselves in a life-threatening situation all too quickly. On a day with a constant outside temperature of 23°C, within 25 minutes the temperature inside the car can rise to approximately 39°C and reach around 43°C within an hour.1
When the temperature exceeds 28°C, dogs struggle to cool down naturally by panting, which in turn increases their risk of heatstroke. Since a normal body temperature for dogs is around 38-39°C, being in a car that reaches 43°C can lead to severe health issues, including heatstroke, multiple organ failure, and even death.2-4
What should you do if you find a dog in a hot car?
Find the owner
If you see a dog left in a closed car on a warm day, act quickly. First, try to find the car owner. Speak to residents nearby to see if they know the owner or ask in local shops or shopping centres to page the person. Gather several people to assist you. At least one person must stay with the dog to monitor its condition.
Call the police
If a dog is in danger of suffering from heatstroke, you should call the police. They have the authority to break the car window to rescue the animal. If the dog’s condition deteriorates before the police arrive, and the owner cannot be found despite a thorough search, breaking the window may be the only option left to save the dog’s life.
Before breaking the window, document the dog's condition with photos or videos, and bring at least one witness with you. This is important because damaging someone else's property can lead to legal repercussions, depending on the laws in your area.5-7
Recognising Heatstroke in Dogs
Heatstroke in dogs is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Ensure you are aware of the following signs of heatstroke.5-7
Heatstroke in Dogs
- Rapid breathing
- Increased salivation
- Vomiting (possibly with blood)
- Diarrhoea (possibly with blood)
- Trembling
- Rapid heart rate
- Light pink or very pale gums
- Collapsing
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Uncoordinated movements or staggering
- Listlessness or apathetic behaviour
- Elongated neck
- Tongue hanging out
First aid support
Whether the dog is conscious or unconscious, ensure to first move them to a cool, preferably well-ventilated area.
If the dog is conscious:
Provide water
Ensure to offer water for the dog to drink, but do not force them to drink.
Offer cooling measures
Act quickly and use any water available, ensuring the water temperature is cooler than the dog's body temperature.9 If possible, immerse the young, healthy dog in cold water, such as in a lake or well. For older dogs, gently pour cold water (not ice water) over them to facilitate evaporative cooling.10
Monitor their condition
Stop the cooling measures as soon as the dog's condition shows improvement.
Seek veterinary help
Take the dog to a local veterinary practice. If you have air conditioning in your car, turn it on during transport.
If the dog is unconscious:
Position the dog on its side
Preferably the right side, to relieve pressure on the heart.
Keep the head extended forwards and upward
This can make it easier for the dog to breathe by aligning the airway and reducing pressure on the chest and throat.
Gently pull out the tongue
This position helps keep the airway open by preventing the tongue from falling back and blocking the throat.
Cover the dog with cold, wet cloths
Cover the dog with cold, wet cloths or if possible, regularly pour cold water on them.
Vigorously stroke their ears in the direction of the tips
By doing so this can stimulate circulation and encourage alertness.
Seek veterinary help
Even if they seem to recover, a vet can check for other complications and make sure your dog receives the right care to fully recover.
The safety and well-being of your dog should always be your top priority. Therefore, never leave your dog alone in the car on warm days when the outside temperature is 20°C or higher.
Source
2Taking Your Pet’s Temperature [accessed 2024 Nov 5]. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taking-your-pets-temperature
3Pets die in hot cars – avoid summer tragedy with your pet. [accessed 2025 Mar 25]. https://bbvsh.com/blog/pets-die-in-hot-cars-avoid-summer-tragedy-with-your-pet/
4Heatstroke in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention. [accessed 2025 Mar 25]. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/systemic/heatstroke-dogs
5Heatstroke in dogs. [accessed 2025 Mar 26]. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/heatstroke-in-dogs
6Heatstroke in dogs and cats - prevention, symptoms and first aid tips for pet owners. [accessed 2024 Nov 5]. https://www.rvc.ac.uk/small-animal-vet/teaching-and-research/fact-files/heatstroke-in-dogs-and-cats
7Hitzschlag bei Hunden. [accessed 2025 Mar 26]. https://www.vdh.de/news/artikel/hitzschlag-bei-hunden/
8Dog Heatstroke: Signs and What to Do. [accessed 2025 Mar 25]. https://www.orlandovets.com/blog/dog-heatstroke/
9Cooling Methods Used to Manage Heat-Related Illness in Dogs Presented to Primary Care Veterinary Practices during 2016–2018 in the UK https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10070465
10Hitze: Achten Sie auf Ihren Hund! [accessed 2025 Apr 8]. https://www.tiho-hannover.de/universitaet/aktuelles-veroeffentlichungen/pressemitteilungen/detail/hitze-achten-sie-auf-ihren-hund