What to Do If You See a Dog Left Alone in a Car
Dogs left in cars are at serious risk, even on mild days. Each year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car—even for “just a minute”—while they run an errand. If you get distracted inside a shop or get stuck in line at checkout, your dog could be suffering a painful, completely avoidable death in the parking lot. Do you know what to do if you spot a dog struggling in the heat? Learn how you could save the life of a dog left in a car.
Understanding the Risks of Dogs Left in Hot Cars
How long can a dog be left in a car?
Leaving a dog in a car is unsafe, no matter how long. When it’s a beautiful 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can soar to a sweltering 99 degrees in just 20 minutes. On hotter days, the temperature can climb into the 100s in less than 10 minutes.
Is it illegal to leave a dog in a car?
Some states and localities have specific laws with certain penalties for this particular act, but every state has a law prohibiting cruelty to animals, including acts like this that cause or allow an animal to suffer unnecessarily.
Some states—like California, Florida, and Tennessee—have “Good Samaritan” laws that allow you to break a window to save a dog after contacting authorities.
A Dog Left in a Car Could Die From Heat Stroke in Minutes
Dogs’ resting body temperature is higher than that of humans, and they shed body heat primarily through panting. When the temperature and humidity outside their body rise—like when a dog is trapped in an increasingly hot car—panting becomes less and less effective. When dogs overheat, they can experience multisystem organ failure and heatstroke.
Warning signs and symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include:
- heavy panting
- heavy salivation
- a darkened tongue
- rapid heart rate
- glassy eyes
- incontinence
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- urinating blood
- difficulty breathing
- collapse
- seizures
- loss of consciousness
If a dog exhibits heatstroke symptoms, immediately take them into an air-conditioned or shaded space; offer them water to drink; douse their neck, paws, and belly with cool (not cold) water; and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Any overheated dog can sustain brain damage and even die within minutes, but if the dog has a short or flat face, it’s vital to act fast. Because breathing-impaired breeds have flat faces and distorted airways, they’re far more likely to suffer from heatstroke than other breeds. Puppies, senior dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions also have increased risk of heat stroke.
How to Recognize When a Dog in a Car Is in Trouble
Not every dog in a car is in immediate danger, but the longer they’re left, the more dangerous it becomes. Use your judgment and assess the following:
Warning signs that a dog in a car is in distress:
- The car is parked in direct sunlight.
- The dog is panting rapidly, drooling, or lying flat.
- The dog appears listless, confused, or unresponsive.
- The dog is barking or whining excessively.
- The dog is scratching at the windows or doors to escape.
- The dog is showing any other signs of potential heat stroke.
Even if the outside temperature feels “mild,” cars can heat up rapidly—so don’t ignore what may seem like subtle signs. If a dog appears at risk, take action. And even if the engine is running, the air conditioning might not be.
Should you always report a dog left in a car?
If the dog shows any signs of distress, yes. If you’re unsure, it’s better to be cautious—dogs can go from okay to critical quickly.
How to Help a Dog in a Hot Car
1. Gather information
Take note of the car’s:
- Make, model, and color
- License plate number (photograph it if possible)
- Time and exact location
Also note the dog’s condition—are they panting, unresponsive, or agitated? Details can help authorities act with urgency.
2. Notify Nearby Businesses
Go into nearby businesses and ask a manager to page the car’s owner. Explain that a dog is locked in a car and may be in danger. Be persistent and polite—it may save a life.
3. Monitor the Dog
Return to the car and check on the dog. Don’t leave the scene until the dog is safe. Record a video if the dog is in visible distress—this may help authorities act faster.
4. Call for Help
Call your local animal control agency first if the owner can’t be found and the dog is in distress. If they’re unavailable or slow to respond, call 911.
Tell the dispatcher:
- You’re witnessing a dog locked in a hot car.
- Any symptoms the dog is showing (panting, collapse, etc.).
- You’ve contacted nearby businesses, and there’s no sign of the guardian.
When calling, give the car’s details, the exact location (parking lot/store), and describe the dog’s symptoms. Ask how quickly help can arrive.
5. Rescue the Dog
If all else fails, you may have to remove the dog yourself. PETA offers an emergency window-breaking hammer to help intervene in these life-or-death situations.
Once the dog is safely out of the vehicle:
- Move them into shade or air conditioning.
- Offer cool drinking water.
- Wet them with cool or room-temperature water. Do not use ice water or submerge the dog, which can send them into shock.
- Fan them gently.
- Transport to a vet ASAP.
If someone is with you, one person can perform these actions in the car as the other drives you to a veterinarian. The longer dogs experience hyperthermia (high body temperature), the more likely they are to die as a result of it.
Educating Dog Owners About the Dangers of Hot Cars
Dogs suffer and die every year because their guardian made the mistake of leaving them behind in a car. Don’t assume someone else will help. Be the person who steps in. Having the right tools and information ahead of time can save lives.
What you can do to educate others:
- Politely talk to dog guardians you see leaving dogs in cars.
- Encourage your local stores to put signs on their doors warning customers.
- Keep PETA’s “Too Hot for Spot” leaflets in your bag or car.
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