Dogs in Hot Cars
On a warm day, the inside of your car heats up very quickly. A dark-coloured car, parked in full sun on a day with an ambient temperature of 22°C can reach an internal temperature of 40°C after 10 minutes.
Opening the windows slightly has very little effect.
A normal dog’s body temperature is around 38.5°C.
Dogs only sweat a small amount through their paws and rely on panting to cool down. In a hot car, even with the windows slightly open, panting is not enough to keep a dog’s body temperature within a safe range.
A dog can withstand a body temperature of 41°C for a short amount of time but will quickly suffer irreparable brain damage and even death.
Heat stroke is a serious condition for dogs with mortality rates between 39-50 percent. Young, overweight or elderly animals, or those with short muzzles or thick, dark-coloured coats are most at risk of overheating.
Please do not leave your dog unattended in a car at any time of the day. If the purpose of your trip is not to take your dog somewhere, please leave your dog at home.
You face a $300 fine for leaving your dog in a hot car. If you find a dog locked in a car in distress, please call the Police or your local SPCA immediately.
The Canine Good Citizen Programme / Dogs NZ suggest the following to reduce the risk of your dog overheating in a parked vehicle.
- Park in the shade.
- Ensure windows are lowered.
- Secure the dog in a crate with good air flow.
- Provide water.
- Check on the dog often.
- Secure the dog safely to the outside of the vehicle and finally ... TAKE THEM WITH YOU
Signs of Heatstroke
Thermoregulation is how your pet maintains a steady body temperature even when the surrounding temperature fluctuates. Pets lose most heat from their bodies through convection (cooler air moving over their body) and conduction (from lying or sitting on cool surfaces). Though some heat is lost through evaporation – sweating and panting, it’s not as effective.
If your pet is in an environment with shade, water and a good amount of airflow, they’ll be able to manage their body temperature. While ‘how hot is too hot’ will vary for different pets, there are several signs of heatstroke to look out for:
- Rapid breathing and pulse
- Panting and drooling
- Red tongue and mouth
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Lethargy or stumbling around
Heatstroke can cause cardiac failure, renal failure, brain damage and liver and muscular damage. Its effects can be fatal.
If you’re worried your pet is suffering from heatstroke, it’s best to contact your vet as soon as possible. Take your pet to a cool, well-ventilated area and use a fan to blow cool air on them. Spraying or sponging cool or tepid (not cold) water can also help cool down your pet, but it’s important to note that you don’t want your pet to cool down too quickly. Your vet team can talk you through what to do before you arrive at the veterinary clinic.
What to do if you see a pet trapped in a hot car
Since 2018, leaving an animal trapped inside a car is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. If you see a pet trapped inside a vehicle that looks like it’s suffering from heatstroke or stress, call the police, roadside assistance or your local animal care immediately.
- Police 111
- AA 0800 500 222 or *222 from mobile phones
- SPCA 0800 77 22 69
Get the vehicle’s plate number and go to the nearest store or business to request an emergency announcement be made about a pet left in a hot car, then go back to the car and wait for police.
DO NOT break into a car to rescue a pet – this could endanger you and the animal.
When it comes to heatstroke, prevention is best. Always make sure your pet has access to plenty of fresh, cool water and a shaded, well-ventilated area to hang out in. If you have your pet in the car with you and need to get out – even if it’s only for 10 minutes – take them with you.
