The Dangers of Leaving Pets in Hot Cars
- Deniza Marcinkevica
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
By: Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, SkyTails.com
Every summer, heartbreaking headlines remind us of a preventable tragedy: pets dying in hot cars. Even on mild days, temperatures inside a vehicle can skyrocket in minutes. For our furry companions, whose bodies heat up faster than ours, this situation can quickly turn deadly.
How Fast Cars Heat Up
It doesn’t take extreme weather for cars to become unsafe:
On a 75°F day, a car’s interior can reach 100°F within 10 minutes.
Cracking the windows does almost nothing to slow the temperature rise.
Dogs and cats can suffer heatstroke in just minutes.
Why Heatstroke Is So Dangerous
Unlike humans, dogs and cats don’t sweat effectively. They rely on panting to cool down, but in a sweltering car, that system quickly fails. Signs of heatstroke include:
Excessive panting
Drooling
Lethargy or confusion
Vomiting
Collapse or seizures
Without immediate treatment, heatstroke can be fatal.
What to Do if You See a Pet in a Hot Car
Assess the situation – Look for signs of distress (panting heavily, lying down, unresponsive).
Call for help – Contact local animal control, non-emergency police, or store staff.
Know your state laws – Some states allow Good Samaritans to break a car window if a pet is in danger. Always prioritize calling authorities first.
Safer Alternatives for Pet Owners
Leave pets at home when running errands.
Use curbside pickup instead of bringing them along.
If you must take them, go to pet-friendly locations where animals can come inside with you.
Conclusion
No errand is worth the risk. Leaving your pet in the car “just for a minute” can have devastating consequences. Protect your furry friends by keeping them safe at home during hot days.
SkyTails Connection
Heatstroke emergencies often require costly, immediate veterinary care. With SkyTails, pet parents have a safety net in place—funds ready for urgent situations, plus the ability to contribute regularly without fees. By planning ahead, you can focus on getting your pet the emergency treatment they need without the added stress of financial worries.
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