As the UK basks in a mini heatwave warnings are being raised once again about the hidden danger inside parked cars.
Even on a relatively mild 22C day, the interior of a car can skyrocket to 47C within an hour, turning a vehicle into a deadly oven for dogs
Dogs Trust warns that 'there is NO safe amount of time to leave dogs alone in hot cars'—just a few minutes may be fatal
In the UK, studies show that 1 in 7 dogs brought to vets with heatstroke sadly die, though early treatment can help 98% recover
As the UK basks in a mini heatwave warnings are being raised once again about the hidden danger inside parked cars.
Heatstroke can strike not only in cars, but also during exercise or even in the garden, especially for vulnerable breeds—pugs, bulldogs, elderly, overweight, or thick-coated dogs
Key advice for pet owners:
Never leave dogs unattended in warm cars—even with windows cracked.
Alert authorities (call 999 in the UK) if you see an animal in distress and locate the owner; breaking a window may be legally defensible if a pet is in immediate danger
Keep pets cool, shaded, well-hydrated, and closely watched during heatwaves.