Companion Animals

Dogs in Hot Cars — Welfare Emergency

Leaving dogs in vehicles on warm days causes rapid, life-threatening hyperthermia that is entirely preventable.

Key Facts

A car interior can reach 50 degrees Celsius within 20 minutes on a 25 degree day even in shade
Dogs can only cool themselves by panting; they cannot sweat and overheat rapidly
Hyperthermia causes brain damage, organ failure, and death within minutes to hours
Never leave dogs in cars on warm days regardless of the time planned or windows cracked
Breaking a car window to rescue a dog is legally protected in the UK under certain circumstances

Welfare Considerations

Dogs dying in hot cars is a preventable welfare tragedy that occurs every summer. Owners consistently underestimate how quickly a car heats up and the rate at which dogs deteriorate. The simple rule is never to leave a dog in a car on a warm day under any circumstances — the welfare risk is too great.

What You Can Do

Never leave dogs in cars on warm days regardless of the planned duration
Learn to recognise signs of heat stroke in dogs including excessive panting and collapse
Know the law in your country regarding breaking a window to rescue a dog in distress
Report dogs in cars in distress to the police immediately
Spread awareness every summer about the hot car danger to dogs