Does your furry friend love being a passenger princess? Even on mild days, you should never leave your canine companion behind to hang out in your car while you run errands.
It doesn’t matter if you just pop into the convenience store for a couple of minutes. The weather might not feel overwhelmingly hot to you, but changing weather conditions can spell disaster for your dog.
At a Glance
- Dogs are far more sensitive to heat than humans are, making them highly susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration.
- Regardless of the forecast, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise, even with a couple of windows rolled down.
- You should never leave your dog unattended in your car if the temperature is above 70°F or below 32°F (freezing.)
Continue reading, and we’ll let you know how you can keep your four-legged friend safe this summer.
See Related: How Hot Is Too Hot For Dogs? Walking Your Dog Safely This Summer
Why It’s Dangerous to Leave Your Dog in the Car
Before you and your canine companion take off on your next summer adventure, you should be familiar with the many safety considerations of traveling with a dog. Even if your pooch loves the feeling of the fresh wind rippling through their fur, you shouldn’t let them ride with their heads hanging out the window.
Additionally, you should never leave your dog unattended in a car. Even if the sky is overcast and the temperature is rather mild, you shouldn’t take any chances. It might seem like an unnecessary precaution, but we’ll tell you why leaving a pup in a car can be dangerous.
Dogs are far more sensitive to hot temperatures than humans and are highly susceptible to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. As a pet parent, you should always be acutely aware of your four-legged friend’s limits.
On top of that, the temperature inside a locked car can quickly skyrocket. Most of the time, a cracked window won’t make a difference.
Canines do not sweat to regulate their body temperature. Instead, they rely on panting to stay cool. A hot car with limited air circulation can quickly cause a dog to overheat, especially dogs with short skulls (brachycephalic breeds) like pugs and bulldogs.
Watch for the following symptoms of heat stroke in your four-legged friend.
- Heavy panting
- Brick-red gums
- Glazed-over eyes
- Rapid pulse
- Unsteadiness
- Vomiting
If you believe your dog is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, take them to the veterinarian right away.
When is it Too Hot to Leave a Dog in the Car?
You should never leave your dog unattended in your car if the temperature is above 70°F or below 32°F (freezing.)
Heat stroke or illness can occur even in mild temperatures. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it can take as little as 20 minutes for a parked car to reach 100°F in 70°F weather. There are even some cases where cars can reach an interior temperature of 140°F in under an hour.
These blistering temperatures can be life-threatening to dogs.
Can You Leave a Dog in the Car with Windows Open?
Some think that an open window is enough to keep a canine cool in a hot car. Keeping the windows cracked may provide a bit of ventilation, but it’s not enough to lower the temperature. The temperature inside a parked car can still rise rapidly in the summer with the windows cracked.
Bonus: How To Calculate Your Dog’s Age & Convert To Human Years
Final Thoughts
This summer, don’t neglect the many safety considerations that come with pet parenting. You love your four-legged friend, and it’s up to you to keep them healthy. Never leave your dog in a car alone, even if the weather isn’t that bad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Leave My Dog in the Car on a Winter Day?
Vehicles act like greenhouses — they trap heat in the summer and cold in the winter, no matter how mild the weather. Cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia, and hot temperatures can lead to heat stroke.
At What Temperature Is It Safe to Leave a Dog in the Car?
Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle if the outside temperature is below 32°F (freezing) or above 70°F.
A safe outside temperature range for your dog is between 32°F and 70°F. Regardless, you should avoid leaving your canine companion behind in the car in mild weather.
When you’re out running errands with your pooch, a two-minute task can easily turn into a ten-minute endeavor if you get sidetracked. Even if your focus is laser-sharp, something out of your control could prevent you from returning to your vehicle in a timely manner.
If you need to run a quick errand, take your dog with you. Otherwise, make sure there is another human in the car with them who can keep the air conditioning running and monitor your four-legged friend for signs of distress.
Don’t take any risks! As a responsible pet owner, it’s up to you to keep your furry friend safe.
How Can I Keep My Dog Cool During Car Rides?
If you’re taking your canine companion with you on a summer adventure, make sure they have plenty of opportunities to relive themselves. Don’t forget to pack plenty of pet waste bags to clean up after your dog while you’re on the go. If you’re taking an overnight trip, hire a team of dog poo scoopers to clean up your yard for you before you return home.
In hot weather, constantly monitor your four-legged friend for signs of overheating. To keep them cool, you can crack the windows, leave the sunroof open, and run the air conditioner. Ensure they have access to clean drinking water on your car ride.
Keep Reading: Why Is My Dog Shaking? 8 Common Causes And How To Help Them
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Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!
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