Never leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a quick errand and not even with the windows down. The RSPCA warns that on a mild day the temperature inside a parked car can climb to over 47C within minutes, far hotter than outside.
Why cars heat up so fast
A car acts like a greenhouse: sunlight heats the interior faster than the air can escape. Cracking a window barely slows it down. Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting, which fails quickly in trapped heat, so heatstroke can set in long before you are back.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs
- Heavy, frantic panting and drooling
- Bright red gums and tongue
- Wobbliness, confusion or collapse
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Heatstroke is an emergency. Move your dog to shade, wet it with cool (not ice-cold) water, offer small sips, and get to a vet immediately.
Safer travel in summer
- Travel early or late to avoid peak heat.
- Bring water and a bowl for every trip.
- Use sunshades and keep the aircon on the back seat.
- Plan stops so your dog is never left alone in the car.
Sources
- RSPCA Australia - Hot weather prompts RSPCA warning
- RSPCA Australia - Keeping your pet safe during the heat
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