Dog Hot Car Safety: Summer Welfare

How to keep dogs safe in summer heat and what to do in hot car emergencies involving dogs.

Key Facts

Dogs should never be left in cars even briefly in warm weather — temperatures can reach dangerous levels in under 10 minutes
Brachycephalic breeds including bulldogs and pugs are at much higher risk of heatstroke than longer-nosed breeds
Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, glazed eyes, and loss of coordination
First aid for heatstroke involves moving the dog to shade, applying cool (not cold) water, and emergency vet care
In the UK, breaking a car window to rescue a dog in danger is a defensible action under animal welfare law

Welfare Considerations

Summer heat poses genuine and preventable welfare risks to dogs, from hot pavement burns on paws to heatstroke from inadequate ventilation or hot car exposure. The single most important summer welfare message is that dogs should never be left in cars in warm weather, regardless of how briefly, because the speed of temperature rise inside a vehicle consistently exceeds people's expectations. But hot car exposure is not the only summer risk: exercising dogs in the heat of the day, walking on tarmac that can reach 60 degrees and cause severe paw burns, and failing to provide constant fresh water are all common causes of summer welfare harm that are easily prevented.

What You Can Do

Walk dogs in early morning or evening during hot weather rather than in the midday heat
Check pavement temperature with your hand before walking — if you cannot hold your hand there, it is too hot for paws
Always carry water on walks and offer it frequently in hot conditions
Provide access to shade and cool indoor spaces during heat waves
Know the signs of heatstroke and have the emergency vet number readily accessible during summer