Heat still major danger for dogs left in parked cars

dogs at home, where they are cool and comfortable. Being on the lookout for victims trapped in hot vehicles while we’re out and about also can help.

It doesn’t have to be hot outside for a car to be dangerous.

The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that in just 10 minutes, the temperature inside a parked car can rise to as much as 20 degrees higher than the external temperature.

After 20 minutes, it can go up to 30 degrees higher, and in an hour, a vehicle can be more than 40 degrees hotter inside than it is outside. So, on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside the car.

Consumer Reports determined that leaving a car's windows slightly open or parking in the shade had little effect on the internal temperature.

And leaving the air conditioner on isn’t a fail-safe, either — dogs have died after cars ran out of gas, A/C units malfunctioned or the animals inadvertently bumped a button, turning it off.

One dog died after a thief stole his guardian’s running car and then abandoned it with him still trapped inside.

Heatstroke, damage to the brain and other organs, and death can occur within minutes for animals and children, so it’s crucial to ensure that they are never left in a parked car — even “just for a minute.”

To help prevent more needless deaths, many automakers are introducing safety features that alert drivers when a passenger remains in the backseat after the car has been turned off. The Hot Cars Act of 2019 would require this technology in all new vehicles.

These warning systems are helpful but not foolproof. The only way to ensure that dogs don’t become hot-car victims is never to leave them in one.

If you see a dog (or anyone else) trapped inside a hot car, quickly have the owner paged at the nearest stores. Then go back to the car and check for signs of heat distress.

These include heavy panting, lethargy, a dark tongue, vomiting, glazed eyes and dizziness.

If the dog appears to be suffering, call local humane authorities or 911, and stay on the scene until they arrive.