04/30/2026
Sadly, I see this every year.
Dogs cannot sweat like we do. Once the air trapped inside a car becomes hotter than they are, panting stops working entirely. Even on a mild 22-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 32 degrees in just ten minutes.
We often assume a quick errand into a store will only take a few minutes. However, because a dog cannot effectively cool themselves in that enclosed environment, heatstroke can begin almost immediately. This rapidly leads to irreversible organ damage and can be fatal before you even reach the checkout line. A quick trip is never worth the catastrophic risk.
The safest option is simply to leave your dog at home where it is cool and comfortable. If you are out in the community and see a dog in a parked car panting heavily, drooling excessively, or appearing unresponsive, do not wait. Contact local law enforcement or the SPCA immediately.
The golden rule: If you ever find yourself questioning if it's too hot to leave your dog in the car, the answer is always to leave them at home.
