Most dog owners want to spend as much time with their pets as possible. They feel guilty about leaving them home alone. It’s very common to take them in the car on errands. However, it’s crucial to do this the right way and never leave them in a car alone. This can be incredibly dangerous if the weather is very hot or freezing. Here are some crucial things to know if you can’t avoid leaving your dog in the car.
1. Keep the Windows Open
When leaving your dog in the car, open the windows. Dogs are extremely sensitive animals and can overheat very quickly. Unventilated cars are like ovens. If it’s 70°F (20°C) outside, it could be as hot as 104°F (40°C) inside the vehicle. Dogs can experience heat stress at this temperature with devastating symptoms. Heatstroke, dehydration, organ damage, and death can occur very quickly.
Dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as people. Always leave windows open if you must leave your dog in the car. Even this isn’t a failsafe solution on a very hot day with no wind. It’s better to bring your pet with you or leave it at home. Plenty of places are dog-friendly, so check out what’s in your neighborhood.
2. Always Offer Water
Always provide water for your dog if you leave it in a car, even if only for a couple of minutes. When we drive in hot weather, we usually have the windows open or the aircon on. There is cold air circulating throughout the vehicle so it’s comfortable. However, the temperature can rise very quickly when the car is at a standstill.
There are many warning signs that a dog is dehydrating. Heavy panting, dry gums, and vomiting are some of the most common. They can rapidly suffer dehydration and heatstroke in a hot vehicle. It’s not a perfect solution, but giving them water is one way to mitigate the risk. Some owners don’t want to risk a mess in their vehicles. But their pet’s safety is more important than clean upholstery!
3. Provide Shade
It’s also important to be conscious of the sun’s intensity. Try to park in a shaded area next to a building or under trees if possible. This will slightly reduce the car’s internal temperature and make it slightly safer for your pooch. It also reduces the risk of your dog getting sunburn. Remember, it’s not a perfect solution and should be combined with the previous points. Never leave your dog in a car for longer than five minutes because it can quickly become dangerous.
Another option is providing artificial shade like window blinds. You can stick these onto your car to block sunlight. They mustn’t reduce the ventilation and air circulation. The best products should allow you to fully open your window while blocking your dog from jumping out.
4. Leave the Heater/Air Conditioner On
We’ve focused on heat because this is the main threat to dogs’ health. However, the cold can also be lethal if you’re not careful. Owners must exercise caution if the temperature drops below freezing. Some dogs love cold weather but not all of them can handle it. The best thing to do is to leave either the heater or air conditioner on. This is easier if another passenger is in the vehicle with them. Never put your dog’s health at risk for the sake of convenience.
Most people wouldn’t leave a small child alone in a car. Dogs deserve the same care because they’re very vulnerable and can’t communicate clearly. Most owners don’t consciously harm their animals. However, a lack of self-education is also a form of negligence. Caring for an animal is a massive commitment and responsibility. If the winter is too extreme and you can’t leave the heater or aircon on, don’t bring your pet.
5. Don’t Get Sidetracked While Shopping
We said it once, and we’ll say it again: owners shouldn’t leave dogs alone in cars for more than five minutes. Maybe you’re just going to run into the shop to pick up a prescription or get a quick snack. That’s reasonable as long as you take all of the precautions. Heat exhaustion or severe cold can strike a dog very quickly. Don’t fill your cart with groceries, and try to avoid prolonged conversations if you bump into a friend on the street.
Remember, dogs with double coats and flat faces are at an increased risk of heatstroke. The former category includes Huskies and Newfoundland dogs. Meanwhile, Pugs and bully breeds fall into the latter. Regardless, owners shouldn’t leave dogs of any kind alone in a car. It’s also a very restrictive environment where they can’t move around freely. Puppies are inclined to destructive behavior in congested spaces. You don’t want your puppy tearing up a seat cushion while you’re gone!
6. Consider Alternatives
Honestly? Avoid leaving the dog in the car at all. Plan so that this situation doesn’t arise. If you have to drive frequently or fear leaving your dog for long periods, hire a dog walker or pet sitter. Another good option is to send your dog to daycare. This is a great way to help dogs socialize and learn basic commands.
We recognize that not all pet owners have access to these services. Consider leaving your dog at home if you might have to leave it in the car. No one wants their dog to be lonely, but it’s the lesser of two evils. Remember, a dog needs a potty break every six to eight hours. A good solution for loneliness is to get another pooch for company!
7. Be Vigilant of Overheating Dogs
We’ve discussed what owners should do when it comes to their pet pooches. But what if it is someone else’s dog? If you notice someone’s dog locked in a hot car, it may be tempting to break the window but don’t do this immediately unless the dog is showing severe signs of heatstroke. First, locate the owner to make them aware of the risk. You could even photograph the dog with the license plate number. Report instances of animal abuse later if the owner is unapologetic and unconcerned about the dog’s safety.
If you can’t locate the owner, try to find a nearby law enforcement officer. Police can legally break car windows to help animals or children. In some jurisdictions, there are even emergency hotlines for this situation. Only smash the window yourself as a last resort because it could result in prosecution for criminal damage. However, it’s also a criminal act for owners to allow an animal to die from gross negligence.
