Dogs in Hot Cars: Why Minutes Matter

Never leave a dog in a parked car on a warm or sunny day, even for a few minutes with the windows cracked. Cars heat up fast, and dogs cool down mainly by panting, which doesn't work well in hot, still air. Take your dog with you, leave it at home, or plan dog-friendly stops. If you see a dog in distress in a car, call the emergency services.

A dog looking out from the shade of a tree beside a parked car on a sunny day — Shade outside beats any car on a warm day.

Why Cars Get Dangerous So Fast

A parked car acts like a greenhouse: sunlight heats the inside far above the outside air temperature, and shade moves as the sun does. Opening the windows a little makes little difference. Dogs can't sweat much and rely on panting, which struggles in hot, humid air. Flat-faced, heavy-coated, overweight, young and older dogs are at greatest risk.

What to Do Instead

Leave your dog at home on warm days if you'll need to leave the car.
Run errands with a friend who can stay outside with your dog in the shade, or choose dog-friendly shops.
On road trips, plan stops where your dog can come with you.
Travel in the cooler parts of the day, with air conditioning and water.

Signs a Dog Is Overheating

Heavy panting, drooling, restlessness, bright red or dark gums, wobbling, vomiting or collapse are emergencies. Move the dog to shade, offer small amounts of cool water, and get to a vet straight away, calling ahead. See hot-weather safety.

Gear for Cooler Car Trips

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Sunshades for the rear windows, a travel water bottle, a cooling mat for the crate or seat, and a crash-tested harness so your dog travels safely.

If You See a Dog in a Hot Car

Call the emergency number for your country (such as 999 in the UK or 911 in the US) and give the location and car details. Rules on whether members of the public may break into a car to rescue an animal differ by country and state, so follow what the emergency services tell you, and if you act, take photos and get witnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to an important question.

Is it okay to leave my dog in the car with the windows open?

Not on warm or sunny days. Cars heat up fast even with windows open, and dogs struggle to cool down.

What if it's cloudy or mild outside?

Sun can come out and cars still warm up. If you're not sure, don't leave your dog.

What should I do if I see a dog in a hot car?

Call the emergency services and follow their advice. Rules on breaking in differ by place.

Which dogs are most at risk?

Flat-faced, heavy-coated, overweight, young and older dogs, but any dog can overheat.