How a car's temperature rises on hot summer days
Every year, dogs are left alone in hot cars, which can quickly become a death trap for the dog. The temperature inside a car rises incredibly fast and becomes much hotter than outside. The image above shows how much warmer it is inside the car compared to outdoors.
Dog in a car
In summer, a basic rule applies when it comes to dogs and cars: never leave your dog alone in the car unsupervised. Leaving the car window slightly open won't provide enough ventilation to lower the temperature. This is true whether the car is in the sun or shade.
Heatstroke
But why is it so dangerous to leave your dog in the car? Dogs can suffer from heatstroke, which is common, especially when they're trapped in confined spaces like a car. This condition is not only very unpleasant for the dog but can also lead to damage to internal organs or even prove fatal.
To cool down and regulate their body temperature, dogs pant – their blood cools thanks to the cold air passing through the blood vessels in their mouth. A warm, confined space like your car is therefore very dangerous as your dog cannot cool itself down effectively.
If a dog can't cool down to regulate its body temperature due to a lack of shade, cool air, or water, it can cause chaos in their body. If the air is too warm, panting won't help either and can actually make the dog even hotter. This can ultimately lead to life-threatening heatstroke.f it is not possible for the dog to cool down to regulate body temperature due to lack of shade, cold or liquid, it can create chaos in the dog's body. If the air is too warm, the dog's panting will not help either, but it can instead lead to the dog becoming even warmer. In the end, it can lead to heat stroke that can be life-threatening.
Aids
We strongly advise against leaving your dog in the car during the summer months, especially if you can't supervise them. There are aids that can help keep the car cool, but only if you're present to ensure they're working effectively. A silver sunshade can reflect sunlight away from the car, a fan can help with ventilation, and a cooling mat or blanket can help the dog regulate its temperature. Always keep an eye on your dog and make sure they stay cool if you choose to use these aids. The safest option for your dog is always to leave them at home or take them with you to prevent heatstroke.
