Companion Animals

Dog Hot Car Deaths and Heat Stroke

Leaving dogs in cars during warm weather is a common cause of preventable death and welfare emergency requiring public education.

Key Facts

Car interiors can reach 47 degrees Celsius within 60 minutes on a warm day
Dogs cool primarily through panting, which is ineffective in very hot environments
Heat stroke can develop within minutes in a hot car and causes organ failure and death
Brachycephalic breeds and overweight dogs are at highest risk
The RSPCA receives thousands of calls about dogs in hot cars each year in the UK

Welfare Considerations

Dogs left in hot cars experience rapidly escalating distress and can suffer irreversible organ damage and death within minutes. Public education and prompt action to save affected animals are essential welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Never leave your dog in a car on a warm or sunny day, even briefly
Call 999 if you see a dog in serious distress in a hot car
Know the signs of heat stroke: excessive panting, drooling, collapse, and vomiting
Cool heat-stroked dogs gradually with cool (not cold) water and seek immediate vet care
Share awareness about the danger of hot cars with friends and family