With temperatures reaching record highs, it’s important to know what to do when (although hopefully you won’t) you see a dog stuck inside a car. On a 78 degree day, temperatures inside a parked car can reach between 100-120 degrees in just minutes.
What you should do if you see a dog left alone inside a car:
1. Don’t leave the scene! Take down the cars color, make, and license plate number. Have the store page the owner of the car and call the local police authorities. Make sure someone stays to keep an eye on the dog.
2. Try to find a witness (or more than one)who will back up your assessment. If the dogs seems to be in immedient danger, try to remove the animal and then wait for the police to arrive.
3. Watch for heatstroke symptoms. Such as, restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, or lack of coordination. Lower the animal’s body temperature gradually by providing water to drink, applying a cold towel or ice pack to the head, neck, and chest, or immersing the dog in lukewarm (not cold) water.
And of course, never leave your best friend alone in a car!
A couple summers ago I saw a dog in a car that looked like he was dying. Not a single window was cracked so I smashed the window and got him out. Called the cops and got him some water. Owner came out of the store after about 15 minutes after the police were there. They were irate and wanted to press charges for breaking their window but the cops laughed and wrote up a summons for them for animal cruelty or something. Wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. Ever.
