Danger Zone: Pets Left in Hot Cars

Every year dogs (cats and children, too) die in parked cars, usually left there "for just a few minutes" or in some cases, accidentally forgotten in the car. In this news story, a dog repeatedly honked the horn to save himself. I wish it was that simple. Even working police dogs have died in parked cars in summer heat. These dogs die a horrible death from heatstroke.

Heatstroke is when the body overheats (>104F in animals) and is very common in dogs. Dogs with short noses, those who are overweight, or have heart and lung problems are at even greater risk. The first phase of treatment is to safely bring the body temperature down to normal. The second phase is to monitor the pet for secondary organ failure, which can happen hours or days later.

Numerous studies have shown that even on a moderately warm day, the temperature inside a car can ramp up to to dangerous levels in just minutes. Cracking the windows is not going to save a pet. Many dogs show excitement/anxiety, barking, and general activity while their humans are gone, and this can add to the heatstroke risk.

Learn more: Tips for helping pets in cars and traveling in hot weather with pets

A viewer's story:

This took place in the Detroit, MI area...not a particularly hot day, maybe 70 degrees. The black Mercedes sedan was parked in full-sun, with one window cracked about an inch. About 15 years ago, I saw a German Shepherd locked in a car...he was in obvious distress, he was vomiting, frothy drool from his mouth, visibly wet from sweating. I went into the store where the vehicle was parked, asked them to page whomever owned the vehicle; no response. The store owner called the police, who came...smashed the car window but, sadly, it was too late...the dog had passed away in the few moments it took for me to get help. To this day, I regret my decision to try and find the owner...wishing I'd smashed the window myself! When the owner returned from an adjacent shopping center, she was furious at the police for breaking her window...! I will never forget this...

--Reenthequeen | Read more entries

Readers Respond: A parked car can be a deathtrap on a warm day

Read responses | How do you help?

You Can Help

One of my favorite sites of all time is My Dog Is Cool and they provide free flyers that you can print out and leave on cars. However, if it is a hot day with animals inside the car, I would recommend calling your local animal authorities or police first.