No Hot Pets: Why Leaving Your Pet in the Car Can Be Deadly

As the summer sun shines brighter, it’s critical to remember that hot weather can be dangerous and even fatal for our furry companions. Every year, countless pets suffer or die after being left in parked vehicles, even for just a few minutes. Let’s break down the risks and what you can do to prevent tragedy.

Why Cars Become Death Traps for Pets

What might seem like a harmless decision to bring your dog along for a quick errand can quickly turn fatal. On a 25°C day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to over 37°C in just 10 minutes. Cracking the windows doesn’t make a difference.

On a 25°C day, the inside of a parked car can reach over 37°C in just 10 minutes - even with the windows cracked. Within 20 minutes, it can exceed 43°C. Pets don't have the same cooling systems we do. Dogs cool themselves mostly by panting, not sweating, and once their body temperature rises past 41°C, they can suffer irreversible organ damage, brain injury, or death - often in under 15 minutes.

Senior dogs, puppies, and flat-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Ultimately, it’s best to leave your dog at home, where they have more space, water, and shade to stay cool, safe and comfortable.

Recognizing Heatstroke in Pets

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency, and early detection can save lives. Watch for these signs:
• Excessive panting or drooling
• Dark red or bright gums and tongue
• Weakness or collapse
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion or lethargy
• Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness

If you suspect your pet is experiencing heatstroke:

• Move them immediately to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area.
• Offer cool (not cold) drinking water.
• Gently cool their body with damp cloths or a fan. Avoid ice-cold water, which can shock their system.
• Contact your veterinarian or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital right away.

How to Keep Pets Safe During Summer

• Never leave your pet in a vehicle, even for a quick stop. If you can’t bring them inside with you, it’s best to leave them at home where it’s safe and cool.
• Plan ahead when traveling with pets. Bring water, shade, and find a safe cool place for rest.
• Understand your pet’s limits. Factors like size, coat, breed, and age all affect how your pet handles heat.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion before they escalate into heatstroke.

If You See a Pet in a Hot Car

Take action right away:
• If there is concern about the welfare of an animal in a hot car, please call your local police immediately. They have the authority to intervene and rescue a distressed animal.
• In Ontario, call Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) at 1-833-9ANIMAL.
• Report the make, model, and license plate of the vehicle, and alert nearby businesses.
• In our region, local animal services officers can attend, but they cannot remove animals from vehicles without police or PAWS present.

Join the #NoHotPets Movement.

Awareness saves lives. Pledge to never leave your pet in a parked vehicle, and spread the word in your community. Every conversation helps protect the animals we love.

Together, we can make sure every summer day is a safe one for pets.