
As the temperature rises, so do the number of calls about dogs being left in vehicles.
Most people understand that leaving a pet in a vehicle on a hot day can lead to death or serious health problems for dogs in a very short period of time. However, even on mild summer days it does not take long for the temperature in a car to reach dangerous levels. The study also found that cracking the windows or parking in the shade did not have much impact on how hot a vehicle gets. The following chart shows the temperature inside a vehicle in a study conducted at San Francisco State University. The figures have been converted to Celsius from Fahrenheit.

Heatstroke in Dogs
Dogs have limited ability to sweat so the effects of a warm vehicle are exacerbated for our canine friends. This means a dog can overheat and go into medical distress quickly. A warm vehicle creates a potentially lethal environment in a very short period of time.
If you see a dog inside a vehicle, call 911. Police can get to the dog to free it much quicker than an Alberta SPCA Peace Officer.
The signs of heatstroke:
- Listlessness,
- Excessive panting,
- Restlessness,
- Pet appears distressed.
What to do if a dog is suffering from heatstroke:
- Move to a cool or shaded area and direct a fan on him/her,
- Begin to cool the body by placing cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin area,
- Wet the ear flaps and paws with cool water,
- Transport to a veterinary clinic immediately.
What not to do:
- Do not force water into your pet, but have it available if they show interest in drinking,
- Do not overcool the animal,
- Do not leave your pet unattended for any length of time.