In the UK, every summer, the RSPCA's "Dogs Die in Hot Cars" campaign reminds dog owners and the public of the grave dangers of leaving dogs unattended in vehicles during warm weather. Despite widespread awareness, the RSPCA still receives around 6,000 annual calls from concerned citizens finding dogs trapped in overheated cars. Tragically, many dogs suffer serious health issues or die from heatstroke caused by being confined in rapidly heating vehicles.
When the temperature outside is just 20 degrees Celsius, the inside of a parked car with closed windows can soar to 45 degrees or higher within minutes. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, but in a cramped, stuffy car, there isn’t enough fresh air for effective heat regulation.
Within minutes, a dog locked in a hot vehicle can experience dangerous overheating, leading to dehydration, heatstroke, and even death. Dogs with thick coats, obesity, or brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are especially vulnerable, but no dog is safe from these risks.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include heavy panting, excessive drooling, increased pulse, and restlessness. If unresolved, it can rapidly worsen to weakness, collapse, unconsciousness, and death.
If you find a dog suffering from heatstroke, immediately move them to a cooler location, offer water, and gently cool them down with lukewarm water — avoid very cold water as it can cause shock. Contact a vet at once, especially if the dog has fainted, vomited, lost bladder or bowel control, or fails to improve quickly.
The simple answer is: It is never safe to leave a dog unattended in a car, even for a few minutes. The inside of vehicles heats up rapidly and can reach dangerous temperatures quickly, even if parked in shade or with windows partly open. Furthermore, unforeseen delays or emergencies may prevent you from returning to your pet promptly.
Contrary to common belief, cracking a window or leaving water available does not protect your dog from heatstroke. The temperature inside a vehicle can still reach lethal levels, and water won’t stop the rapid overheating occurring within minutes.
Under UK animal welfare law, owners can be prosecuted for neglect or cruelty if their dog suffers or dies due to being left in a hot car. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and bans on future animal ownership.
Never leave your dog unattended in a car — it simply isn’t worth the risk.