Dogs Die in Hot Cars: Never Leave Your Dog Unattended

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.

Why Leaving Your Dog in the Car is Dangerous

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.

Heatstroke Symptoms and Urgent Action

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.

How Long is it Safe to Leave a Dog Alone in a Car?

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.

Does Leaving a Window Open or Providing Water Help?

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.

What to Do if You See a Dog Locked in a Hot Car

• First, try to locate the owner. If in a public place like a supermarket, ask for a tannoy announcement.
• If the owner cannot be found quickly, contact the police as an emergency.
• If police cannot respond, call the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
• Legalities around forcing entry to save a dog vary, so do not attempt to break in without police advice.
• Act promptly, as even dogs appearing okay can deteriorate rapidly in heat.

Legal Consequences of Leaving Your Dog in a Hot Car

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.