The temperature in your car can rise almost 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
A dog can experience irreversible brain damage and even death in a hot car in as little as 10 minutes and cracking the windows does little to decrease the rise in temperature in your car according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Don’t make the mistake of putting your pet at risk this summer. Leave your pet at home with access to shade, air circulation and cool water.
It is unlawful to confine a pet in a vehicle or enclosed space if the pet could be harmed by exposure to excessive heat, cold, lack of ventilation or lack of water. If you see an animal in a hot car, call 911. Be prepared to provide the make, model, license plate number and the specific location of the vehicle. Consider using your phone to video or photograph the condition of the animal and make note of the outside temperature. Signs that an animal is in heat-related distress are:
- Anxiety
- Excessive panting or drooling
- Scratching or digging at the windows or doors
- Change in color of the gums to blueish purple, bright red or pale from lack of oxygen
- Fervent barking
Leaving a pet in a hot vehicle can result in a $125 fine and/or criminal animal cruelty charges.