Beware when leaving your dog in a vehicle

Many people still believe it’s safe to leave their dog in the car for a few minutes – especially if the windows are open or the car is parked in the shade. But even on a mild day, the inside of a vehicle can become dangerously hot in a very short time.

For example, when it’s just 22°C outside, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 47°C within an hour. That’s hotter than most ovens and can cause serious suffering, permanent damage or even death for a dog trapped inside.

What to do if you see a dog in a car on a warm day

1. Assess the dog’s condition.
Are they panting heavily? Drooling? Lethargic, distressed, or unresponsive? If a dog is showing any signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately.

2. If the situation is critical and police haven’t arrived, be aware of the risks.
You may feel the need to break the window to free the dog. However, this could be classed as criminal damage. Legally, you must be able to justify your actions – and that you believed the car owner would have consented, had they known the dog was in danger.

3. If you decide to act:

What to do once the dog is free

If the dog appears to be in distress or shows signs of heatstroke, follow emergency first aid steps immediately. This can save their life.