Why It’s Essential to Keep Your Dog Cool in the Car

Even when the weather is pleasant, cars can even get extremely hot in few minutes. The inside of a parked car can be over 40C in the first 20 minutes when the outside temperature is 24C. During a hot day, the temperature may reach over 55C forming an oven like atmosphere which is fatal to the dogs.
Dogs do not sweat like humans. They cool themselves by panting and by the pads of their feet. These cooling methods cease to be effective once the temperature of the air in the car gets hotter than the body temperature of the dog. Consequently, the body temperature of the dog may increase threateningly quickly, causing dehydration and heatstroke.

Canine heatstroke is a life-threatening health emergency. It happens when body temperature increases beyond normal and the body organs fail. It is characterized by a lot of panting, excessive drooling, weakness, vomiting, rapid pulse, and occasional seizures or collapse. Failure to treat heatstroke instantaneously can result in organ failure or death.
Thick coated dogs that have small noses (like pugs and bulldogs) are even more at risk, as well as obese dogs and those with underlying health issues. Both puppies and older dogs are more susceptible to heat and are particularly unable to control their body temperature.



Most people assume that they can leave a dog in the car and believe it is safe as the windows are only slightly open and the dog has only five or ten minutes. This is a dangerous mistake. Opening the windows does not change much in terms of temperature in the house. Even in mild weather a parked car can get extremely hot and a dog can start to experience heat stress within ten minutes.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car even to run a quick errand. It is always one of the best tips to remember.



You can have a good time on road trips with your dog provided you take the necessary precautions.These are a few of the useful things you can do to make your dog feel cool and comfortable during a car journey.
1. Keep the Air Conditioner On
Never leave your dog in the car without the air conditioner on to cool the car. Ensure air movement to the back seat or box your dog is sitting on. There might be insufficient airflow on the rear part of the car so it is better to use small portable fans to enhance airflow.
2. Park in the Shade and In the Shade of Peaks
When you leave your car on the road, leave it under the shade or trees. Parking things under the sun, especially between the hours 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., should be avoided when possible. The shade will become cooler, but still, in case the temperatures can increase, and this is a temporary solution.
3. Wear Window Covers or Sunshades
Sun shades on the windows and windshield that are reflective can help in reducing the heat in the car. Mesh or aluminet screens can also help to keep sunlight out and create ventilation. Such accessories can reduce the temperature by some extent and help your dog to enjoy the ride.
4. Provide Water at All Times
Hydration is very crucial. Carry a bag of fresh cold water and a bowl that can be carried along. Give water to your dog at regular intervals. Ice cubes or frozen desserts can also be placed in a cooler, to allow them to cool.
5. Use Cooling Mats or Towels
Lay a wet towel or a pet cooling mat on the seat or the bottom of the crates. The products collect the heat of your dog's body and give them a cooler surface to lie on. They work particularly well when making long journeys or with thick-haired dogs.
6. Check the Temperature in the Car
You can keep your dog safe with technology. You can also install a car temperature sensor which notifies you on your phone when the inside of the car is too hot. The small devices are gaining popularity among pet owners who travel a lot with their dogs.
7. Limit Your Stops and Plan Beforehand
Travelling long distances, do remember to plan your route. Pull over rest stops where pets can stretch, take a few sips of water, and have a rest. When you are running the errand do not leave your animal in the car. Whenever possible, go with someone else so one of them could spend time with the dog at all times.



Stating that it is cruel to leave a dog in a hot car is a common view of animal cruelty in many regions of the world (such as India). The law allows authorities to break the car window and rescue pets trapped in overheated cars. In addition to the legal risks, pet owners have a moral obligation toward their animals to ensure that they do not suffer.It is very sad that most cases of heatstroke among dogs occur due to the underestimation of the speed at which a car can warm up by the owner. The easiest way to avoid these tragedies is to be alert and careful.

Always keep your dog in a parked car, even not for a few minutes.
You should always leave the air conditioner on when your dog is in the car.
Carry water, apply cooling mattresses and park in the shades as much as possible.
Cover windows with sunshades and window covers.
Arrange your traveling so that there are few stops and minimal contact with heat.

Leaving your dog in the vehicle to get cool is a question of comfort and life and death. Median temperature rises in cars far quicker than many individuals believe. You can ensure that all of your travels with your dog are safe and pleasant by taking a few basic precautions by leaving your air conditioning on, keeping your home well ventilated, keeping your dog hydrated and out of trouble and so on.
The dog is relying on you all by himself to lead and save. By a little forethought and education you can prevent a tragedy and keep your faithful companion as healthy and happy as ever the trail takes you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it okay to keep your dog in a hot car?No, it is never okay to leave a dog in a hot car, as even mild temperatures can lead to a car becoming an oven-like environment, causing heatstroke, severe organ damage, and death. Temperatures inside a vehicle rise rapidly, even with windows cracked or the car in the shade. Dogs can suffer serious harm or die in a matter of minutes.
2. Is AC ok for dogs in a car?If you are in a car with your dog, an air conditioner isn't a luxury, it is essential for their survival. The temperature inside your vehicle can climb to dangerous levels even in just a few minutes on a hot day.
3. How long can a dog survive in a hot car?15 Minutes
4. What temperature is too hot for dogs?Temperatures above 85°F (29°C)