Dogs in Cars: A deadly combination

As the temperature climbs so does the number of calls the Alberta SPCA receives about dogs being found in dangerously hot cars. 

On a hot day the inside of a car can reach 50ºC in as little as ten minutes. In this time a dog can suffer irreparable brain damage or possibly death.  Opening the windows, parking in the shade or providing water does not help alleviate the extreme temperatures that your dog will experience if left in your car.  This can cause heat exhaustion and eventually heat stroke in dogs after a very short period of time.

Two recent cases in Alberta show that this type of offence is being treated seriously.

A 2006 conviction in Calgary resulted from a couple leaving their family dog in a car while they went shopping.  Despite leaving the windows unrolled an inch and providing the dog with water, the interior temperature of the car climbed to a dangerous 51ºC, rendering the dog in distress. The remorseful couple pleaded guilty to charges under the Animal Protection Act and were fined $400.

A recent conviction in March 2009 resulted from a dog being left in a car for more than two and a half hours in June 2006; the outdoor temperature was 21 ºC. Police officers were notified and the dog was released from the sweltering car parked on a busy Edmonton street.  The dog was taken to the humane society and treated for heat exhaustion.  Subsequently, the dog’s owner was charged under the Animal Protection Act for causing an animal to be in distress and was ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 by the provincial court.

The symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, glazed eyes, dizziness, rapid pulse, excessive thirst, salivation, lack of appetite, weakness, muscle tremors, a deep red or purple tongue, and vomiting.

If your dog becomes overheated move him to the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over his body to reduce body temperature.  Apply ice packs or cold towels to his head, neck and chest.  Ensure he drinks small amounts of cool water or licks ice cubes. Take your dog to a veterinary clinic right away.

The best place for your dog on a hot day is at home, either inside where it is cool (such as the basement) or in a yard with access to shade and water.  However, if you must take your dog with you, never leave him in the car alone.  If you have to leave your dog in the vehicle make sure someone is with him and the air conditioner is turned on.    

If you see a pet in distress and the car is located in a mall parking lot contact mall security and they can page the owner of the vehicle.  If the car is not in a parking lot your best bet is to contact the local RCMP or local SPCA or humane society and they can promptly respond to the situation. 

Melissa Logan,
Education Program Manager
Alberta SPCA