Anyone who leaves their dog in the car in hot weather and high temperatures is acting with gross negligence and may be risking the pet's life even if the car is parked for a short time. Temperatures of around 40°C can be reached within half an hour at temperatures as low as 20°C, which can quickly become very dangerous for a dog. Read this article to find out what dangers dogs face in hot weather in the car and how you can help if you see a dog in the car in high temperatures.
Leaving your dog in the car: dangerous not only in summer
Leaving a dog in a car in hot weather is particularly dangerous in summer, that's for sure. But on a sunny day, a vehicle can heat up quickly, even in much milder temperatures in spring or autumn. Ambient heat does play a role in the heating and base temperature of the vehicle, but the actual danger arises from the sun's rays hitting the car. If these rays hit the roof of the car, a lot of heat is quickly generated. In addition, there is no air exchange in a stationary car and the existing air continues to heat up.
Even in spring and autumn, you should make sure not to leave your dog in the car and take it with you if possible. If the dog cannot stay alone at home, tying it up briefly in front of a shop is a better alternative if there is a shady place available that does not expose the dog to direct sunlight.
Dog in the car in hot weather: possible consequences
Dogs in cars are at risk of heat stroke in hot weather. This is indicated by various symptoms, all of which indicate that the body is overheating, including faster and shallower breathing, reddening of the mucous membranes and tongue, and a racing heart. The reason why dogs' bodies heat up so quickly is that unlike humans, dogs do not have sweat glands on many parts of their bodies and therefore cannot perspire much. Most of the heat is released through the tongue in dogs, which is why they pant when it is hot or when they are exerting themselves. The dog's behavior can also change when heat stroke is imminent. Increasing apathy and balance problems are also strong signs of heat stroke.
If heat stroke cannot be treated - for example because the dog is locked alone in the car - the dog will collapse. Trembling, cramps and blue-colored mucous membranes occur before unconsciousness occurs and, without treatment, death inevitably occurs. This is the risk that pet owners take if the dog has to stay in the car in hot weather.
At ambient temperatures of just under 30°C, whether outside, in the house or in the car, the dog's body has to work harder to regulate its own temperature. At just over 20°C and sunshine, this mark can be reached after just 10 minutes. At 35°C to 40°C, it becomes significantly more dangerous, especially without a supply of fresh air. Open windows are not sufficient for heat exchange between the car and the ambient air - especially when the sun is beating down on the car roof.
Dog left in the car: How you can help
If you see a dog that has been left in a car in hot weather, you should call for help quickly. Heat or sub-zero temperatures are an acute danger for dogs in cars and you may therefore face penalties because the dog is in acute danger. If the dog is in a supermarket car park, for example, you can have the license plate number called out. The police can also be notified because they are authorized and obliged to help the dog.
If the police cannot arrive quickly enough or the dog is already showing symptoms of heat stroke, you may be entitled to break a car window and free the dog yourself. This is damage to property, but if you can prove that you had no other option, the action can be classified as permissible. It helps to have a witness. Otherwise, you should expect legal consequences.
Once you have freed the dog from the car, you can take various measures. We have compiled more information on this topic under Heatstroke in dogs .
