“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.”
Veterinarian, Dr. Ernie Ward, set out to see what it feels like for a dog helplessly trapped in a hot car.
Armed with a clock, a thermometer, and a video camera, Dr. Ward sat in his car, with the windows cracked, for thirty minutes while the temperature climbed to a sweltering 116 degrees.
The doctor explained, even with the windows cracked, the air in the car was still. Just a few minutes in, and already drenched with sweat—a cooling function that dogs don’t have—Dr. Ward was already starting to reflect on the suffering that dogs must experience in the same situation.
The video below serves as a vivid reminder to pet parents to NOT leave a dog in a hot car, even if only for a few minutes.
Read more about Dr. Ernie at DrErnieWard.com.
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I am really appalled by some of the comments I see. How can anyone say a dog should never be in a parked car. The statement itself is impossible to support. I live without air conditioning, if it has not been cloudy an outdoor temp of 92 means an indoor temp of 85-88. Apparently when I run errands and can take the time to park in the shade or a breezy breezy spots I am being an irresponsible pet owner. I have had people yell and make nasty comments, it is what it is. I know my dog is happier when he can be with me. I bear no grudge,but in the moment it is hard not to resent the childish way some express their concern.
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Jul 11, 2014 at 4:07 pm
I had the cops called on me today by a woman who started screaming at me as soon as I came back to my car!
she said i called the cops on you, you are gonna kill this dog! how would you like to sit in there for hours this way?
welp…. let me fill you in on what she didnt want to hear
it was only 72 degrees out, about 10am, and windy
I drove my car with the ac blasted for about 15 minutes before getTing to the store
my dog sits on a WET towel, has water in the car, and an ice pack to curl up with if he gets hot (real ice not the chemicals as he tried to eat those for some reason) with 3 windows open 2 inches (4th is broken, and any more open and he can escape!!!)
I had a text message showing EXACTLY when I got to the (FIRST) store, 10:05am
there we got out, he went potty, and i delivered something to a friend waiting in the parking lot. took perhaps 4-5 minutes?
went to our next stop,(stopped at a red light so took about 4 minutes) went in alone as they DO NOT ALLOW DOGS(which is rather common if you didnt know…) I went in, directly to the back of the store, took perhaps 5-10 minutes to find an employee, get help and make a purchase.
I got back to my car at 10 26 am
I got yelled at by the lady, and got in my car and waiting for the officer.
the woman started trash talking me to anyone who passed, threatening to break into my car to save the dog. I did NOT turn my car on. after ten minutes i got out and asked her when she called 911, because we still had errands to run.
she didnt hear me, so the elderly lady talking to her repeated the question.
the woman said, “dont engage her she is trying to start something”
to which I responded “I just asked a simple question.”
her: “well ignorance is bliss isnt it?”
meanwhile the three of them sat there chatting about how bad of a person I must be (organ donor, volunteer, returner of lost wallets, protector of friends and family)
all of a sudden the young man started bragging that he makes 30 of these 911 calls a week, they all have his information down and know who he is
then the officer shows up and SUDDENLY the first woman has an appointment to get to (1036 now)
the cops pulls up behind my car (the only place he can park without greatly impeding traffic)
and the 2 remaining onlookers start complaining about how they had been waiting 20-30 minutes when i ‘finally’ got back to my car, and how I had yelled at them.
the officer took one look at my dog, barking at the people who were too close to his car, and said that they should only call 911 for emergencies, like if the dog wasnt responding, or the temp was over 90
well they didnt like being told they were wrong so they scoffed and left.
so… over the course of 30 minutes, i went to 2 stores, in different lots, had a stop with a friend, ran to get 1 single item, and yet somehow they had been at my car for over 20-30 minutes making sure my dog was ok?
BULL FREAKEN SHIT
no my windows werent ‘all the way open’
the dog can escape or someone could reach in and GET BIT, then the dog would have to be KILLED for hurting a human!
no i didnt leave the car running
i was gone 15 minutes max and it is a warm gusty day
so WHY on earth am I a bad person for leaving my dog in a car?
to the man who calls 911 30 times a week? thats 1560 calls a year, thats called misuse and abuse of the call system. not to mention you are taking an officer away from his job for 15-50 minutes(depending on time to get to the location) for false calls, most owners dont even stay to wait! in that time other dogs that are ACTUALLY in danger could die, kids can be kidnapped, people murdered and banks robbed.
so thanks for wasting our time and TAX DOLLARS because you cant tell the difference between a dog in need, and a dog that wants you to get the hell away from his car
the cops even said a call like this would be the same as someone calling to report a dog locked inside a house without central air, its a waste of time and there is nothing wrong going on, people just like to be better than others
Cristina
Jul 20, 2014 at 11:52 am
I feel what you are saying. I suppose because these things cause outbursts among people, perhaps keep a dry erase board in your car saying the time you left and that you’ll be back soon in 15? and if not by then, they could probably act. I know its a pain, but it might give onlookers peace of mind. I get upset seeing dogs in hot cars a lot and I never see any water, wet towel or etc. Hopefully, you find a solution that keeps you out of trouble, I think onlookers worry from seeing the dog, how long its been in there, if the owner will forget about it and run more errands unknowingly….etc. There should be something done about these situations. I recommend dry erase boards with changing time stamps….everyones happy.
Jay53
Jul 30, 2014 at 8:13 am
.. and maybe a highly visible thermometer attached to a part of the interior, not the window?
Jay53
Jul 30, 2014 at 8:12 am
I hear what you’re saying, but you may be mistaken. Obviously common sense must be used and there are circumstances when a dog is clearly NOT in danger because it truly isn’t hot enough and the owner isn’t away for long. The trouble is that if the owner is delayed, is taken ill, or misunderstands the risk, the dog/s can and do die.
Here’s a quote from a vet:
“… heat stroke, essentially, is what they succumb to,” said Dr. Ginger Tran with Heritage Animal Hospital in Wake Forest. “In a car with windows, even if they are cracked, the temperature can increase over 15 degrees just within 5 to 10 minutes.”
In that same amount of time, a dog’s temperature can jump 20 to 25 degrees in 10 minutes, she added.”
(Read more at wral.com/franklinton-woman-charged-after-dogs-die-in-car/13644566/#KXJW5V7gsYOeb0h5.99)
Dogs can’t sweat, so they cool themselves by losing water through their lungs, by panting. If they are in a car (even with the windows cracked) the humidity rises quickly and the air becomes saturated. It can’t escape quickly enough through the small gap in the windows to do much good and the dog is constantly adding to the humidity. Once the air is saturated, the dog’s temperature shoots up out of control and then you get heat stroke followed rapidly by death.
The temperature on the day the dogs in the story above died was about 80F. The temperature INSIDE the car, however, was over 120F.
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Jul 7, 2014 at 12:18 pm
I think this does ‘somewhat’ of a disservice to the animals for several reasons, a few being: Besides the vet not having a fur coat on, as some mentioned, he also is not suffering the same stress, as he knows that he can get out at any time he wishes, a dog would probably be jumping around at first looking for a way out, becoming even more exhausted.
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Jul 3, 2014 at 12:52 pm
I noticed the tropical tree in the video. We don’t have them where I live in Ohio.
And I noticed that, as a trained professional, he could only “imagine” what the effects would be on a dog.
Yes, this _can_ be dangerous, but a lot of folks seem to believe it is dangerous in all situations.
Susan
Jul 5, 2014 at 8:18 am
That’s the most asinine thing I’ve ever read. Under NO circumstances are you ever supposed to leave a pet in a parked car. There’s no situation that would ever justify it, in Ohio, or a place where there are palm trees.
I pray that you don’t have any pets. You are probably someone that would do that to a poor animal. I can’t believe you would mock this experiment. Do you know how many dogs are dying daily from this? Too many.
My pets are family in our home, and treated with love. We would never even think of leaving them in a car, for 5 mins, much less 5 seconds!
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If you are going for a drive when the weather is warm or hot, and you know that you will have to park your car, even for a short time, then please…leave…your…dog…at…home…(or take it with you). It’s simple, and it saves lives. People who ignore this advice are willfully blind.
Dan
Jun 8, 2014 at 12:41 pm
EVERYONE agrees that you should not leave your dog in a car when it is hot, and when the car is in the sun. Obviously. Sure their are idiotic people…but I doubt an article like this will affect these wackos….but this article is a good reminder article none the less. Its always good to remind people of even obvious dangers.
The problem, is people who take this idea, and apply it across the board to people who leave their dogs in a shaded car, with the windows cracked a few inches….for 30 minutes or less, when it is below 85 degrees. AND do NOT actually take a temperature measurement of the car in question. They call the cops, and base it SOLEY on their “feeling” that the car must be too hot inside. Classic case of ignorance based on partial information, and applying some specific rules and studies across the board.
If everyone were to call the cops every time we thought that there could possibly be a dangerous situation, when we only have partial information on the situation….the cops would never have a chance to solve real crimes.
I have also seen the study that says that a car with ambient temp of 78 deg, can reach 90+ even if a car is in the shade, with windows cracked. BUT, what people FAIL to see is that that is ONLY possible with a Black Car, with Black interior. ONLY. This study is a classic case of someone with an agenda, sculpting a study to meet their own agenda. This is the same technique politicians use, pharmaceutical companies use, etc. People who read this stuff grab a hold of the idea and run with this. They refuse to listen to any truth, and because they think they are doing the right thing, it is easy for them to close their mind off to reality.
So what happens when it comes to dogs, is you have a bunch of people who think they are doing the right thing, call the cops on someone who leave their dogs in a car parked in the shade, a white car with light interior, when the ambient temp is no more than 82 degrees…..and in reality the interior temp is no more than outside by a degree or two…..so you waste the police time, tax payers money, and do nothing but CRY WOLF. So when there actually is an issue, the cops wont take it as seriously……
Now, of course I will not say that this is true without my own personal testing…..so that is what I did.
I parked my silver car, with beige interior in the shade, windows cracked 3 inches, on a 82-83 degree day. I measured temperature outside with a calibrated thermometer, and the same on the interior. I measure on the interior both at the floor of the vehicle, and the ceiling. I sat in the car during the entire tests.
The temp inside the car did not reach above 84.5 degrees after 30 minutes. (a far cry from 90-100+ degrees! that people claim)
I repeated the test on both asphalt and concrete. I also repeated the test after having the air conditioner on for 15 minutes…then turned off. I also repeated with my 2 big dogs in the car (with water of course). And I also repeated the test of multiple days with different humidity levels. And repeated with no wind, and with slight breeze. 85 degrees on a 82 degree day was the MAX temp in any situation (parked in shade with all 4 windows cracked 3 inches)
What was surprising is that in the test where I had the air on for 20 minutes before shutting the car off….the interior of the car was actually cooler than outside! After 30 minutes, the interior temp was 80 degrees This is because the air conditioner cooled down the surfaces in the car, and that cold surfaces cooled the air even after the air was off.
So in this case, one of these wackos would have busted out my window…even though the interior temp was LOWER than outside!! Think about that!! (and I say this based on witnessing this)
People quote studies, and quote articles, BUT the problem is that people do not educate themselves on the study itself. They pick and choose and judge, without taking a hard look at what they are saying.
It is hard to actually do leg work yourself. It takes time to do a test yourself……and that is the problem with america these days. People listen to what other people say, and take it at face value, without being willing to question it, and vet the information. And the worse part is that then they chastise other people for not knowing what they think they know…even though what they know is not actually true.
Now, I do agree that people who cry wolf are trying to do the right thing. I would much rather have a world of people like this, then people who did not care….but what a lot of people fail to see is that when you take something way too far, and are completely wrong in your assertions, you are not advancing the cause. It actually has the opposite affect. You turn people off, and most importantly you spread bad information.
I would ask everyone to never just take the word of someone else as fact. If possible, figure it out yourself. Do the research yourself, and vet out all information.
Don’t take my data as fact either. Do the test yourself. It is simple and easy…..and then you will know with 100 percent certainty.
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Rob
Jun 12, 2014 at 2:51 pm
I appreciate what he is trying to do but when he got into the car it was already 94 degrees inside. How many people are going to go out to t. heir car, parked in the sun during summer and lock their dogs in? His test is invalid as he conducted it. He would have been better off running the car with A/C for 5-10 minutes first, simulating someone driving to the store for example, then turning the car off and checking the temp rise over time. I’m not advocating anyone leaving their dog in the car btw…
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How hot a dog gets obviously depends on the outside temperature, whether the car is in the shade, what breed it is, his medical condition and how old he is, and how far the windows are rolled down. The same factors undoubted effect how humans tolerate the heat. In addition, with humans it depends on how much clothing you are wearing. In this video, the vets body is probably about 90% covered so his cooling system isn’t working very well. According to one website, incidentally, panting, on the other hand, is more efficient that the human form of sweating.
ccpetresort.com/~ccpetre/node/43
During the video he refers to little dogs, small dogs, and older dogs and he refers to the outside temperature as being “warm” and he call it a “typical” summer day. Saying its “typical” doesn’t mean anything, depending on where you live. Actually, we don’t find out how hot it really is until the end of the video when a graphic pops up and tells us it was 95 degrees! It’s hard for me to imagine anyone being dumb enough to leave their dog in the car when it gets that hot.
I retired 12 years ago and my wife passed away at the time. Since then I have taken my dogs (first a retriever and now a lab) most everywhere I go. So, I have 12 years of actual experience with this situation vs. someone else who probably doesn’t and talks in absolutes with words like “never, ever”.
My rule is that I do leave my dog in my parked car, for extended periods, below 75 degrees. Between 75 and 80 degrees, I only leave her in the car for 5 or 10 minutes maximum. Above 80 degrees, I never leave her in my parked car under any circumstances. As I said, I’ve been doing this for about 12 years now and I have never observed even the slightest sign of distress in my dogs.
Sarah
Jun 1, 2014 at 4:55 pm
Okay, let’s stop anthropomorphizing here. Dogs aren’t human. Dogs don’t sweat, they PANT. Humans don’t pant, they SWEAT. I am tired of alarmist busy-bodies who seem to think that a dog left in a hot car for a few minutes is going to die, simply because he is panting! This is ridiculous, and just plain ignorant. I leave my dog, a warm weather breed with short hair and zero fat, in the car when the weather is pleasant out. Sure, the car gets hot, but he is only in there for a few minutes. He has water & the windows are down a bit. My dogs are loved & taken care of better than most people’s children. In many cases, “dog alarmists” need to mind their own damned business!
Cassie
Jun 3, 2014 at 1:35 am
Really?! You see no problem leaving your dog in the car when it’s hot out? Despicable! Do you know what can happen? I work at an emergency vet clinic and in the summer numerous dogs are brought in because their owners left them in the car for twenty minutes. Dogs come in seizuring or unresponsive. It doesn’t take long at all.
Susan
Jul 5, 2014 at 8:42 am
THANK YOU CASSIE for being 1 of the only smart individuals to post a comment. Reading some of these comments has really angered me. I don’t understand how anyone can ever justify leaving a pet in a parked car.
Some people say that it’s “ok” if it’s a light car, if it’s below 90 degrees outside etc (or any other ignorant reason they are giving), should be hunted down to make CERTAIN that they aren’t caring for any animals. This just shows you why this has become such a problem.
This makes my blood boil because causing an animal to have any discomfort is not ok. I would put my pets needs before mine any day. Thanks for being a good pet owner!
Eric clark
Jun 3, 2014 at 9:04 pm
YOU ARE AN IDIOT and I would break a window in a heart beat to get a dog out and then lets see who’s in trouble. Alarmist these are veterinarians talking here not some un educated person just spouting off. why don’t u try what he did and see what its like , then get back to us.
Cheryl Latka LVT
Jun 3, 2014 at 11:35 pm
Sarah, you’re correct, dogs are not human. And you’re correct again, dogs do pant. But panting will usually be seen in an animal with heatstroke unless severe neurologic damage has abolished the panting reflex. Neurologic, respiratory, cardiovascular and kidney function should be assessed. I too am the department head of emergency and critical care medicine. And I have seen too many cases where the pet’s prognosis is grave. By that I mean, they die. Stupor is an early sign of neurologic dysfunction that may progress to involuntary paddling, course tremors, and seizures. Coma and loss of the menace and panting reflexes often signify the presence of sever cerebral (brain) edema (swelling). Prolonged bleeding after venipuncture sites indicate the possibility of DIC. I had one owner bring her 9 month old Rotti in after she left him in a car, muzzled him so that he would not bark while she went clothes shopping. By the time she reached my hospital the dog’s temperature was 109 degrees he was unable to walk and his intestinal mucosa was sloughing off. In other words, he was in DIC. All of his organs had shut down and he began to “bleed out”.
Sarah, do yourself and your pet a favor and Google “what is the correlation of the outside temperature to the inside temperature of parked car?” We are not alarmists, however once you read the facts before you. It will be YOU that will become alarmed. I wish you well and more importantly, I wish your pets well.
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Jun 4, 2014 at 12:11 pm
This is for Cassie, Eric, Katie and any of you that are interested. First, allow me to preface this with two experiences last year in a Walmart parking lot where I witnessed 3 dogs die from heatstroke. I might add that not ALL of heatstroke victims are as a result of them being left in a vehicle. They can suffer from heatstroke as a result of running along side of their owners while jogging. Those pets that are brachycephalic (short-headed) bulldog types. These animals commonly have difficult breathing because the nasal bones are distorted and a tongue too long for the mouth. These guys are pre-disposed to heatstroke because of their anatomy. After witnessing the deaths in the parking lot, (one dog was involved and the other two dogs were in the same vehicle. I returned to my vehicle the same time as a mother of two children returned to her vehicle only to find that the two dogs were near death agonal breaths (Agonal respiration is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by gasping, labored breathing, accompanied by strange vocalizations and myoclonus. Possible causes include cerebral ischemia,(no blood going to the brain) extreme hypoxia or even anoxia, (little or no oxygen in the bloodstream). Agonal breathing is an extremely serious medical sign requiring immediate medical attention, as the condition generally progresses to complete apnea (NO breathing) and heralds death. I have reached out to the local police departments in the towns where I shop routinely. I’ve asked all of them, “If I see a dog in distress, in a parked car on a hot day, would I be charged with breaking and entering if I broke a window to free the pet suffering from heatstroke”. Unanimously, I was told “no, in fact we would notify animal control and press charges against the owner, not only for neglect but, for abuse as well”. What if it were a child? Most of us wouldn’t give it a second thought to rescue a child from this “oven”. In retrospect, I now carry a baseball bat, a cooler with an ice pack, cold water, a bath towel and, a rectal thermometer. In my next post I will give you step by step instructions on how to administer first aid to a pet suffering from heatstroke (if it’s not too late). I will have that available this afternoon.
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J B
Jun 5, 2014 at 12:26 am
Are you kidding? Seriously, you should not have dogs. I’m a Vet Tech, and I have seen first hand what happens to pets whose owners are too ignorant to realize the danger of a hot car.
Please spend a week at an Emergency Vet, in the summer. Maybe you’ll learn. Or maybe you’ll have to learn the hard way, at the expense of your dog.
It’s not like “don’t leave your dog in the car in the summer” is the world’s best kept secret. It’s common knowledge by now, and anyone who chooses to ignore that warning should have their dogs taken away and never get any other ones.
Such carelessness makes me beyond angry.
MYC
Jun 5, 2014 at 10:44 am
Sarah, you might be a little slow or even verging on retardation. You are saying a few minutes, well ok 5 min fine, but how many of us say we are going in for a min and it turns into 30? The doctors example above was 30 min, not a couple. You cannot compare. The dogs that are dying in cars are being left for 30-60 min with out water etc… I read a report where the dog had water and still died…so sad. I don’t like to wish bad things on others, but if you leave your dog in the car again I hope you get arrested for neglect and abuse! I don’t know how you can say it’s no big deal when in almost every state you would get a ticket or taken to jail for leaving your dog in a car on a hot day! SERIOUSLY! you need help. You probably think your dog is just that A DOG and not a part of your family. You probably would leave your kid in the car when it’s hot out…or maybe you would…who knows.
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Jul 3, 2014 at 9:09 am
Here is an example of what DAN was talking about. There seem to be a lot of exclamation points in this post, indicating the emotion of the statements (albeit erroneous) being made.
Also, we have an example of, as Dan said, a classic case of ignorance base on partial information; “in almost every state you would get a ticket or taken to jail for leaving your dog in a car on a hot day!”
In reality, a considerable majority (72%) of states DO NOT have specific prohibitions on leaving pets in cars. In election terms, 72% would be a landslide.
animallaw.info/articles/State%20Tables/tbusdogshotcars.htm
What that means is, if you call the police in 36 of the 50 states, they will not be taking action and you will be wasting their time.
Rosemarie
Jun 5, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Wow Sarah … you certainly left yourself open to a plethora of comments and I am going to say, none in your favor. You realize that every time you leave your dog in the car like that, his internal organs start to cook. Eventually with each time you are only gone for those “few minutes” his organs become harder and harder, eventually they will stop working. No doubt for your love for your fur kid and that he is taken care of better than most children, I’m just saying this is something you may not have known.
Sue
Jun 6, 2014 at 3:22 pm
You are seriously an idiot for leaving your dog(s) in the car for even a few minutes. If I come across any dogs left in a car, rest assured I will be calling the police!
Sue
Jun 6, 2014 at 3:27 pm
You are a heartless idiot. Rest assured, if I come across your car with your dog in it on a hot day, I will first call police, then break your window to rescue your dog. Despite all of the publicity over this issue, idiots like you still insist on leaving their dogs in the car when it is hot.
Dogz Rule
Jun 6, 2014 at 10:51 pm
I will mind my own damned business the entire time I am (legally) breaking your window and taking your dog.
NO one says panting is a sign they are dying. Geez you would be a dream in the classroom. Give it up people, some people are too dumb to know they are dumb. lol
mark orris
Jun 7, 2014 at 12:11 am
OK Smarty pants now you go put on a down comforter and go sit in that car, that’s what it is like for that dog. That dog does not have sweat glands like you or I do. Why do you think the dig in to the flower beds, down into the ground. They are trying to cool off by laying in the cool dirt. Oh and what are you going to do if while you are in the bank, or store and something happens and you are locked in or being detained and can’t get back to that car. Your dogs will suffer for it. Be smart and use the brain God gave you to play the record threw.
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:10 pm
^THIS^
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:12 pm
……..
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:16 pm
Sarah said it perfectly. Dogs are ANIMALS and are supposed to be WILD. They lived many years out in the wild with no AC!
This video is ignorant.. he just hops in a car that’s been sitting in a driveway, of course it’s going to be hot as piss. A car thats been driving for a while with AC with be MUCH cooler than the OUTSIDE! NO animal on this planet will die being left in a car for 20-30! NONE! Even this guy in the video lived to make the video! A dog in replace of him would of been hot, but thats it. Would not of died, maybe slightly less comfortable over the AC.. but boo hoo! People need to grow a pair and stop being such sissies!
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:22 pm
To clarify, no animal that is HEALTHY will die soley because it’s ~90 degrees for 20 minutes. Any animal that has came into a vet from being in a hot car, the slight elevation of heat for 20minutes did NOT kill or injure them. It’s like blaming a LED advertisement sign for causing someone to go into epileptic shock or blaming a sugar loaded food for causing a diabetic to become out of wack! LMAO
Dan
Jun 11, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Could not agree with you more Walter. DUMB people paint this entire issue with the broadest brush because that is the easiest way for dumb people to understand it.
Everyone agrees that you should not leave your dogs in a car if it is parked in the sun and it is warm out because the internal temp can rise faster than is immediately obvious. The problem is that people apply this to situations where it is NOT the same.
I almost had my car broken in to because I left my dogs in the car on a 80deg day, IN THE SHADE with the windows down 4″ for under 20 minutes. The people swore that it was hot in the car, and the dogs were in distress, and begged the cop to break the window. I got there in the nick of time, and opened the car, and sat inside. It was ACTUALLY COOLER INSIDE THAN OUTSIDE. This is because of two factors idiots refuse to understand.
1.) The color of the interior greatly affects the rate at which the temp rises. A light color interior will keep a car interior cooler
2.) If you cool down the interior with the A/C for 15 minutes before turning the car off, your interior will act in a similar fashion as a refrigerator when the power goes out. The internal surfaces are cold, and keep the internal temp down for about 15 minutes before the car begins to rise above the external temp (if parked in shade and windows cracked)
Also, the dogs each drank about 1/5 of a gallon of water before we left.
IF I WERE TO FORCE WATER DOWN THEIR THROAT AT THAT MOMENT LIKE THOSE IDIOTS WANTED ME TO DO, THE DOGS COULD HAVE DIED OF WATER TOXICITY!
But none of these cooks want to admit that it is dangerous to spread false information in the name of compassion.
When I take my dog out for a run outside for 30 minutes, when it is 85 degrees, his internal body temp is MUCH MUCH higher than if he was sitting inside a car at 90 degrees for 30 minutes. MUCH higher I have measured it myself with an ear thermometer.
People read some rudimentary study, or over dramatic video, and decide that you should NEVER leave a dog in a car.
I would LOVE to see these people react when I tackle them on the street because they are walking their dog when its 90 degrees out. Their ignorance is off the charts.
CJ
Jul 3, 2014 at 9:15 am
Well said, Dan. ” it is dangerous to spread false information in the name of compassion.” I think I’ll make a bumper sticker like that.
Dave
Jul 4, 2014 at 11:49 am
I think you should be charged with animal cruelty, where do you live again so I can call the local police so they can come by and have a chat with you.
www.essexcaraudioandalarms.co.uk
May 31, 2014 at 8:41 am
Howdy! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always
kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
heello.com
May 30, 2014 at 9:29 pm
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Jual Jersey Bola Original
May 12, 2014 at 8:33 pm
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Katie
May 7, 2014 at 9:17 pm
Wow this was shocking and enlightening. Thank you for the knowledge. I knew not to leave dogs in a car on a hot day, but on warm days (like 74 degrees) with windows down about where you had them I thought was ok. After seeing this I don’t think that anymore.
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:25 pm
Lady, don’t let the cooaid drinking sissies scare you. Unless your dog is predisposed to injury from heat, 74 degrees will do NOTHING to any animal. Dogs are meant to live in the WILD, Africa in 120degree heat with no shade all day. Alaska with no sissy winter coats people put on their dogs. smh
Erin
May 6, 2014 at 6:11 pm
I’ve lost track of the amount of times I’ve left my dog(s) in my car. Although it’s not quite the same considering my car is left running with air conditioning or heat on. I’d hate to be the person that tried to steal my car if they didn’t notice my husky or my great Dane in it.
Erica
Jul 5, 2014 at 9:57 am
Erin, I’ve been forced to leave my 2 dogs in my car WITH IT RUNNING (wrote it in all caps so nobody will say I’m abusing my pets). I typically don’t ever take my dogs with me, they are more of a hassle to get in the car, and unless we’re heading to the park or the vet, there’s not many places I can take them. I was faced with the situation a couple weeks ago. I had my 2 elderly dogs with me, as we were on a 6 hour car trip to my hometown. Mommy had to potty! It was 90+ outside, and I don’t care how fast I can be….you never know.
I started carrying an extra car key with me, when I have the dogs with me. I can leave the car running, and I’m able to lock it, so those 2-3 mins I’m away…I’m not as worried anyone is driving off with my precious cargo. I know the AC is on, keeping them cool, but I had a pit in my stomach, still worried about them.
Mark Reha
May 5, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Why didn’t he open the sun roof and place the thermometer on the floor, the furthest from the heat in the upper portion of the cab, also where the dog would most likely be at??? Not saying it’s ok to do this to your pet, just trying to get the “real” figures.
jerry
May 6, 2014 at 10:18 am
Mark, are you stoopid ?? The variance in what you are arguing is 2-4 degrees !! You have to be a dumb ass republican or Tea Bagger !!
Scott
May 6, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Jerry, why did you have to bring politics into this? Yes, Mark’s comment was stupid, but do you really think yours was any better? Don’t you think the topic of potential harm to animals should be free of political name calling? Can’t we all just realize how dangerous/inhumane leaving your dog in the car is instead of getting wrapped up in what has become an all too common refrain in life?
Mahon
May 6, 2014 at 8:43 pm
OK I won’t bring politics into it. Let’s all get real & remember the point, & quit getting off track & on tangents. OMG unbelieveable 🙁
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Jerry the liberal pussy is too stupid to realize this guy in the video took the temp of his PARKED car that been sitting the driveway, of course it’s going to be hotter. A car thats been running AC for a while won’t jump but a few degrees, IF THAT in the 10-20mintes in a store. Grow a pair, and stop being such a little bitch
Bella Artista
May 5, 2014 at 7:06 pm
Anyone caught leaving their animal in a car should have to go through this only wrapped in plastic wrap so they are more like dogs who can’t sweat.
not drinking the hateraid
Jul 11, 2014 at 3:31 pm
no, dogs dont have sweat glands like humans. what they have it PANTING which is far more efficient. they also (unless shaved by their humans) have a coat that acts as insulation. just like the insulated walls in your homes (hopefully) this fur has pockets of air that keep your dog warm in the winter and cooler in the summer
humans can pants the same as dogs, and most of our clothes(fur) only keep in our body heat, so i hope you realize you just wished DEATH on hundreds of thousands of people worldwide!! have a nice day
Marian Bonanno
May 5, 2014 at 3:21 pm
Never would I leave my dog in the car. I stopped to pick my son up at the dr. and took my Yorkie in with me. They told me I’d have to leave her in the car! I told THEM to go sit in the car. I waited for my son to come out and we left. Like I would have left her in the car in the middle of summer in Florida!
Mike
May 5, 2014 at 9:45 pm
Or, since most places don’t allow animals, when you know that you are going to be at those places, and it is hot out, you could just leave the animal at home like has been done for years and years. I understand that your pet is important to you, but places have rules when it comes to animals for sanitary/health-related reasons.
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:29 pm
Like.. OMG.. if they would of sat in your car.. they would of DIED?!?! NO. Stop being such a sissy, your dog isn’t a porcelain doll, it can take care of itself without dying from a little warmth! smh
Walter White
Jun 9, 2014 at 9:30 pm
You are the sad weird lady with the yorkie (smh) AND the one who brings it everywhere with her, and into a damn medical facility! Wow.. just wow
Joe LaJuett
Apr 24, 2014 at 4:34 pm
I love the fact that you made this video and wish you’d update it and change the title to say “10 minutes” not 30. Some ignorant people who see the title but don’t bother to watch the video think any thing under 30 minutes is okay, well it’s not! Temperatures reach 100 degrees in just 10 minutes in a parked car on a comfortable but sunny day.
Still, KUDOS to Veterinarian, Dr. Ernie Ward for taking the time to suffer through this demonstration to enlighten dog owners. And thank you Brandy Arnold and the Dogington Post for posting the story.
Woodlands AC repair
Dec 22, 2013 at 10:54 pm
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Jane Young
Aug 31, 2013 at 10:14 am
As a veterinary technician I am so thankful you made this video. Owners need to know this information
Sue
Jun 6, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Most owners already do know this….they just continue to leave their dogs in the hot car anyway.
Rodney
Aug 26, 2013 at 2:22 am
Please help me support this new innovative life saving product developed for the automotive industry that will help save lives… Thank you!
Every year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car even for “just a minute” while they run an errand. Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs. On a 78 degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar between 100 and 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90 degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
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Linda Jetty
Aug 13, 2013 at 1:19 pm
I just shared this link with wyff4news hoping they post it. People need to be taught how to care for their animals. I am so sad that the dog in the car in Spartanburg died last night. So many questions no answers.
solidremote
Aug 6, 2013 at 5:59 am
I create a comment each time I appreciate a article on a website or I have something to contribute to the discussion.
Usually it is caused by the fire displayed in the post I browsed.
And on this article Veterinarian Sits in a Hot
Parked Car for 30 Minutes | The Dogington Post. I was moved
enough to drop a thought 🙂 I actually do have a few questions for you if you tend not to mind.
Is it just me or do a few of these comments come across
as if they are written by brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if you are posting at other places, I would like to follow you.
Would you make a list every one of your community sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
Susan
Jul 25, 2013 at 6:56 am
This may have already been posted, but why take your dog if it has to stay in the car? Seems pointless to me. I have left notes on cars to “take care of your dog”!
Lynds
Jul 24, 2013 at 7:40 am
I’ve never left my dogs in a parked car. I know it gets hot in there. I went through two summers with no air in my car and the temp reached 115 for me. Mind you it’d be worse for the animals because of their fur but I wouldn’t even take my dog for a ride because it was so hot and other than the air conditioner she had no way to cool off. It’s a miserable heat and how someone could do that to any animal is beyond me. At work I’ve started to get customer service to page the car owner back to their car so they can see what the dog is going through and get them out of the situation. I’ve been warned several times about busting windows out because I do it just for the animal’s life and once a child. I’ve been yelled at by a car’s owner for pouring water in through the crack to get the dog some water. I was 10 then. Now a little more than twice that age I can take a firmer stance against it. It’s animal cruelty no matter how you look at it. If you leave your dog or cat, or child in the car unattended for more than a minute it’s cruelty. I believe that we as animal lovers and concerned citizens have a right to take a stance and defend that right to fight for another’s life. Seriously! It’s heart breaking to hear a dog barking/crying from a parked car in the summer because they’re way to hot and have no idea when their owner will come back to save them.
Katherine Goard
Jul 23, 2013 at 12:33 pm
THIS is exactly why I busted the window out of a car to rescue a dog in the parking lot of WalMart in Sandersville, GA in 2004. The dog was in serious trouble. I sent my husband into the store and had the owner paged. IT took him over 30 minutes to even get to the front of the store. I had taken the little dog inside the store and cooled him down and called the police. They were waiting with me. The little dog would have died in just a few more minutes if I had not done this. They were arrested for animal cruelty, I was just warned about messing up someone’s car, but didn’t have to do anything. Pay anything either. But there should be a law that allows people to do this if they see a dog in trouble in a hot car. It’s so hot and humid anymore that a dog can’t handle it! WE don’t have body hair either! Imagine how hot the core temp was on that little dog? I have done it and would do it again and almost did week before last. As I got the tire tool from my truck, the owner came out and I gave them a bottle of water to give to the dog and told them to either turn on the air cond. or take the dog inside to cool him off. She said she didn’t mean to be that long. humph!! When you go into a MALL you get sidetracked and bright shiny things get your attention and you forget about the animal. People, Please.. leave your dogs at home when it’s hot! They can not live in a hot car even if it’s only 80 outside. It gets 115 in that car with the windows cracked. I’ve done it before and I am willing to go to jail to do it again. I will NOT allow a dog to die just from the stupidity of humans.
Marian Bonanno
May 5, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Good for you. Last summer, 2 people walked by a van going into KMart. They heard crying and found a 2 month old baby baby boy sweltering. The Mother “forgot” she had bought him because he had been sleeping. Police were called and they broke a window to get in. SHE had to be paged and was hysterical when she ran out to the car. Nevertheless, she was arrested and the baby was given to the father who came down, very upset. You just don’t make mistakes like that.
julie warren
May 6, 2014 at 11:41 am
thank you for doing THE RIGHT THING oh its just a dog ,, bull shit its a animal that has feeling too , thanks Katherine Goard for the SMASH of window to save a pet..
Sarah
Jul 22, 2013 at 11:19 am
I’m curious, what was the outside temperature and heat index that day?
debbie campbell
Jul 12, 2013 at 7:13 am
what is wrong with people? how could they leave their dog in their car on hot days? animals are human too and are smarter than alot of people. people, dont be stupid and leave your dog in a hot car. leave your dog at home. its cruel and inhuman. i love animals and would do anything to help or save an animal
Christina
Jul 11, 2013 at 9:55 am
Help go after Wal Mart for this one
cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/story/2013/07/10/ottawa-walmart-hot-cars-vehicles-dogs-animals-worker-fired-cheney-parking-lot-customer.html
What is this world coming to.
slmoran2567
Jul 8, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Dogs have the ability to sweat, but in places that are a little different from humans. Dogs sweat through their pads and feet. Their skin and armpit areas don’t contain sweat glands like ours do. Their main method of ridding themselves from heat, however, is by panting, which is a very different mechanism than what we generally use.
For these reasons, we must take great care to protect our dogs from heat stroke. Dogs with compromised respiration, like bulldogs and pugs, are at a very high risk of easily overheating just because they can’t pant very efficiently.
Note: All content provided on HealthyPet.com, is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Maureen Foster
Jul 8, 2013 at 6:58 pm
This is terrible; but even worse than this is when infants and very small children are left in locked, hot cars while parents “shop”…I think we are judged as a society on how we treat animals and the young, the elderly and the frail. If this is true then Canada real is not such a great place to live, is it.
Naomi
Jul 8, 2013 at 5:04 pm
I agree that this should not happen – nobody should leave an animal in the car unattended and in high temperatures. However, to the people who are calling 911 – is it really your place to do so? That seems a bit of an extreme response. It isn’t up to the police to save every pet on earth, they have enough PEOPLE to worry about.
Schnauzer Owner
Jul 8, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Thank you Doc for doing that test, no one knows how it feels for the dog to be left in a car with no relief, they trust us to take care of them, they love us , as we love them their our responsibility to care for and give love, its not right on any spectrum to do this to your pets who you love not even for a minute, i ride in a truck with NO AC all summer, its drains me by the time i get home from work and my job is only 10 minutes away. i dont take my pups out in the heat no where, only on cool days and i am only taking them to the park so they can enjoy something. with 2 bottles of ice water. and a bowl. the sad part is, the poor dog, is prolly thinking oh they’ll be back soon, being faithful and waiting patiently. for there return, you people who do this to your animals make me sick!!!
Josh
Jul 8, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Well, I can honestly say I’m afraid to leave a comment. I thought we who welcome animals into our families were kind and loving people. Obviously I was mistaken. It seems nobody can post anything on here without being called a stupid, dick, asshole, jerk, southerner who deserves to rot in hell after meeting a grizzly end. And jumping straight to such harsh judgments without even fully comprehending the point of someone’s comment is very surprising. The Vet was just trying to make a point we all can agree on: don’t leave your dogs in the car. Does that really need to spawn such hateful rhetoric? Now, I don’t mean to sound condescending, but y’all need to remember that we’re all humans, and deserve to be treated with at least a little respect. Let’s all agree that leaving dogs in cars is wrong and continue to be the loving people we are! 🙂
Schnauzer Owner
Jul 8, 2013 at 4:41 pm
well said!!!
Betty Anderson
Jul 8, 2013 at 9:22 am
What a wonderful video-PLEASE put this on t.v. for people to see.I just approach a man that had his dog in the car Itold him it was to hot his reply was he was going to be in the store 5min. He was in there for 10.I told him I was ready to call 911.After seeing your video I will just call911 and give to thought to do so.Thankyou!
PLEASE have this put on t.v. everyone who owns a dog need to see this.Thankyou so much.Hopefully this will save a dog.
Maria Morris
Jul 8, 2013 at 9:10 am
Shared – thank you Dr Ernie Ward!!
lori
Jul 8, 2013 at 8:49 am
I couldnt even make it ten minutes when I tried this to see how hot it gets! I had no window open tho, it was AWFUL. Great job Doc for taking the time to make this video and bring attention to the seriousness of leaving a Dog in a hot car! Thanks.
Leigh
Jul 7, 2013 at 9:08 pm
WOW! I began reading responses and just SMH asking why is it that something can start with good intentions and end in a free for all? Are we here to help others or are we here to snipe at others? It makes me sad when I see people fighting and insulting others when what we need is peace and cooperation. Please consider the message you send others by not just what you say but HOW you say it. God bless.
Sandra
Jul 6, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Recently a 6 month old child died from being left in a car for HOURS in the heat. So helpless. It is heartbreaking.
Pats
Jul 5, 2013 at 2:40 pm
In the very rare event that my dog is with me and I have to go into a store, I put a Post-it note in the window saying what time I went into the store, and how long I will be (5 minutes is max). Then if I happen to pass out in the store, at least passersby will know how long he’s been in the car and maybe let the dog out before he has a heatstroke!
Recently I went to the drugstore to pick up a doggie prescription that was supposed to be ready, but when I got inside it wasn’t. I told them my dog was waiting in the car, so I couldn’t wait for the prescription. I took the dog home before I came back for the drug.
Kristina
Jul 5, 2013 at 1:11 am
This might be bad (particularly for the environment) but I have a Ford Explorer, so if I need to stop in the store and I have my dog with me, I leave the car running with the air conditioning blasting and lock it from the outside with the keycode on the door…
Joe
Jul 5, 2013 at 12:33 am
I’ve actually seen a dog sitting in a parked car on several occasions, called the police to let them know I was breaking in to let it out, and sat with the dog on a leash next to the cop when the owner came out 30-45 minutes later. One cop showed up when I was breaking in, and offered just to break the window. Don’t leave your dog in the car, or I may be breaking in someday. 🙂
Barbara
Jul 4, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Over the years, on a few occasions, I have seen a dog running in circles inside a car (which draws my attention to the dog because he is in in high stress) and it is a hot day, and the windows are cracked, and it is in the parking lot of a grocery store. First, I run to the manager, ask him to announce that a dog is in heat distress, the license plate and description of car. Then I wait by the car in case I must call 911 for help. Fortunately, the owners have arrived immediately…I wouldn’t have waited for long as I assessed the situation. They’ve always said that they just left them in the car for “10 minutes” or “just a few minutes.” I always say, “don’t do it again…your dog may not be lucky enough to have someone rescue him another time.” Even at 75 degrees in the sun, the temperature goes up fast in a car.
shanz
Jul 4, 2013 at 2:06 pm
don’t forget bout the children that get left in cars…its not just done to pets..kids r more important anyways…
Coco
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:05 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe for a second that any living thing should be left in a car for even for a few minutes. But, I feel like there is more awareness out there about animals being left in cars, than human children being left in cars.
To Heidi’s point, there is also a HUGE issue with people leaving their human children in cars. Two children in the past week have died in Canada after being left in cars, and one was rescued before it could go that far. The sad thing … with the little girl that was rescued, people were standing around the car in a parking lot watching the girl screaming and crying, and no one did anything until the police officer arrived. Why didn’t ANYONE break the god damn window and save that little girl. Thankfully she lived; sadly two toddlers died.
So heartbreaking 🙁
Leigh
Jul 7, 2013 at 9:09 pm
I do not understand why people stand by and do nothing. It’s complicity plain and simple.
Lynda
Jul 4, 2013 at 11:38 am
I have to say something about this…Where I live, not an hour from me a little girl had died because her mother had left her in a hot car while she went into the store to get something. Her funeral was yesterday, so on that note, it’s not safe for any living thing (animal or human) to sit in a hot vehicle of any kind.
Heidi
Jul 4, 2013 at 11:35 am
thanks for the video doc.
people do need a smack in the head.
even children are being left in the cars.
i’m in CAnada…and we just had 2 deaths. one in ontario of a 2 year old and in alberta for a 3 year old. people are leaving the children in hot cars.
no common sense in them.
so sad.
Vet
Jul 4, 2013 at 11:25 am
So just imagine how the troops feel with full rear on an afganistan
Jones
Jul 3, 2013 at 10:49 pm
I don’t understand this hate on DJ. He further proved the point that leaving a human being or animal in a hot parked car is not a good idea. He said how sick he felt afterwards and that there was consequences to doing something like that. I don’t know why people need to stoop to “I hope you don’t have kids” and “Please KYS”
Stefan
Jul 3, 2013 at 9:06 pm
Thanks for the post. Now, how about an article about the dangers of running with your dog in the heat. With more peolple than ever running, I see lots of runners out running with their dogs with out water in hot, humid weather. Not all dogs are breed for endurance running, let alone in the heat. I mean come on, people running with Yorkies ? The running community as a whole needs to be educated on this.
Janet CVT
Jul 3, 2013 at 7:34 pm
A dog in a car on a warm day, not just a hot one, is a very good reason to break a window.
Annette Frey
Jul 3, 2013 at 5:53 pm
This was an amazing video to do – thank you for taking that on! It’s very hard to get people to comprehend this!
Last year my dog alerted me to a dog in a locked car, no windows cracked even a bit. It was about a 50lb dog that was inside one of those plastic crates, in the car, so even less air circulation. I couldn’t get anyone to help. I finally told the police that I would be taking matters in my own hands if they didn’t come – but one way or another I would get that dog out, so they did come and rescue the dog.
The sad part was the dog was taken to ACC instead of the ASPCA as they said. But I followed up all turned out okay.
Jo-Ann
Jul 3, 2013 at 5:37 pm
Everyone who owns a pet should see this!
Karen Hill
Jul 3, 2013 at 4:28 pm
What is sooo sad is the only people interested in watching this video would never leave their pets in a car on a summer day. The people who need to see it never will.
Sparky
Jul 3, 2013 at 1:36 pm
the comments on this article are embarrassingly ridiculous. i’ve never seen so many insults thrown at logical statements and rational arguments.
shae
Jul 3, 2013 at 12:41 pm
I don’t condone leaving your dog in the car for long periods of time but sometimes you have to run into a store for 5 minutes. And if you say “well leave them at home” my house is hotter than the car is in 10 minutes than you very much. I agree 20 min plus is way tp much but running in a few minutes isnt wrong. Everyone gets so worked up about stuff that doesn’t concern them now and days
idiots
Jul 3, 2013 at 12:27 pm
This is the funniest thread ever. A bunch of people who all agree with the premise of the video but seem to like arguing so much that they argue over who agrees more…you should all give back your internet memberships…
Mistie
Jul 3, 2013 at 10:41 am
Not to mention dogs have built in coats, imagine doing this exercise in a sweatsuit or coat 🙁
lori
Jul 2, 2013 at 7:44 pm
I AGREE 100 %. ONE THING YOU FORGOT WAS YOUR FUR COAT…….
"D"
Jul 2, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Thank you for bringing this to people’s attention, but I go further. I don’t think an animal should be left in a car in any weather, or a a child either. So sad people are allowed to care for pets and kids without any real screening before they accept such a responsibility.
Tracey LiMato
Jul 2, 2013 at 10:11 am
Awesome example of how a pet would feel. Thank you for sharing!
Tanya Lavoie
Jul 2, 2013 at 6:45 am
Hopefully this gets around not only to dog owners but parents in general too many babies being left in cars with no windows open unattended have died in Canada already this summer. Not sure why people leave animals or babies in cars unattended it is sad and tragic
David Hereaux
Jul 2, 2013 at 1:33 am
Some people, lol. WTF? Even though you seen how hot the guy was, despite not wearing fur and being able to cool himself with sweat, you still question? 🙁 There’s no help for humanity.
Alberta K-9 Unit
Jul 1, 2013 at 10:14 pm
ANYONE, ANYWHERE, that is willing to leave an animal in a vehicle, windows closed, cracked, or even wide open, on a day when the outside temp. is above 20C (70F for all you yankees), needs to be put in a vehicle that you can not get out of, with no hope of relief, until YOU die!
One, or two less morons for the rest of us to ‘put-up’ with.
tanya morrissey
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Kudos to Dr. Ward for doing this as i do not think i would have lasted 15 minutes, but a real eye opener, and i hope this eventually leads to stiffer fines to those who still insist that they won’t be long, or i’ll just be a minute. thank you so much
Eric
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:15 pm
People look at me like im crazy but my dogs are like kids to me. I have 2 sets of keys for this exact reason. If i take my dogs out in summer fall spring the ac is left on and car running. I check all doors to make sure they are locked and take spare set of keys with me. Ive even ran it in the winter with heat. I saw a dog in lowes parking lot yesterday it was 78 i carry an infrared thermometer in my car for work i shot the seat it was 98 i called the police guy got fined. Seriously people how much money would you waste in gas by leaving car run with ac if you must take them out? Are they not worth it?
Eric
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:13 pm
People look at me like im crazy but my dogs are like kids to me. I have 2 sets of keys for this exact reason. If i take my dogs out in summer fall spring the ac is left on and car running. I check all doors to make sure they are locked amd take spare sets of keys with me. Ive even ran it in the winter with heat. I saw a dog in lowes parking lot yesterday it was 78 i carry an infrared thermometer in my car for work i shot the seat it was 98 i called the police guy got fined. Seriously people how much money would you waste in gas by leaving car run with ac if you must take them out? Are they not worth it?
Lisa Valdez
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:03 pm
This is such an important message! It is 117 in the shade today where I live, and some idiot just left 2 dogs in a vehicle for at least 20 minutes that I know of. CHP had to come get the animals out. What kind of moron would do something like that?! According to this video, the heat rose 22 degrees in 1/2 hour, starting at 95 degrees, and ending up at 116 degrees. These poor dogs started out at that temperature. Thank you, Dr. Ward! If you save even one dog, it makes a difference.
Lisa Valdez
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:03 pm
This is such an important message! It is 117 in the shade today where I live, and some idiot left 2 dogs in a vehicle for at least 20 minutes that I know of. CHP had to come get the animals out. What kind of moron would do something like that?! According to this video, the heat rose 22 degrees in 1/2 hour, starting at 95 degrees, and ending up at 116 degrees. These poor dogs started out at that temperature. Thank you, Dr. Ward! If you save even one dog, it makes a difference.
susan
Jul 1, 2013 at 7:17 pm
are cat able to sweat? I did not know dogs could not sweat>
Andrea Aiuto
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:57 pm
I am a Veterinary Technician and during the summer weather here in Michigan, I see this often and it angers me so much. Actually just yesterday the temp. got up to about 80 and I know that in your car it roughly gets about 20 degrees higher. ONE window was cracked and this poor boston terrier was panting away. I waited for the owner to come outside of the store 20 minutes later and gave her “a piece of my mind.” I don’t understand why people think a cracked window will help or how inhumane this is. I often say, put yourself in that pets position. Thank you so so much Dr Ward for making this video. It should be posted everywhere!!!!!!
Jones
Jul 3, 2013 at 11:00 pm
I don’t know why you didn’t call the cops to get the dog out of there instead of waiting for the owner?
Sue
Jun 6, 2014 at 3:36 pm
My thoughts exactly. Giving an ignorant person a “piece of your mind” doesn’t mean a damn thing, and they will just repeat their stupidity. Police should have been called immediately.
M Wilson
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Really, people. Does it matter whether you are wearing a coat or not. Or if he did this for 30 straight days to be “scientific”. If you want those stats. –Go do it yourself. The point of this was IT’S DAMN HOT so don’t leave your animals in the car!
**Some morons would argue over anything just because they are less than happy themselves! Go see a therapist and leave the rest of the world alone!**
Martha Jones
Jul 1, 2013 at 5:41 pm
I post hot car warnings every time I see a new one. Very happy to see so many circulating. Yours is most impressive. Thank you! BTW, I would break a window but was never sure if I could hit hard enough. Cracked window (which at least even the more idiotic person will probably do) pretty much tells me a little weight behind a crow bar in the crack ought to it. Failing that, I’d scream for a bigger person the help. Thanks again!
Katie
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:49 pm
I think everyone is getting a little too caught up on specifics here. He’s didn’ say a single time that he was doing a scientific study of what it’s like for dogs. He was simply tryig to recreate it in a way to make people see how uncomfortable it is. People know how hot it gets in their cars, they can imagine what it’s like with a coat on. I think we can all agree that we don’t want any dogs left in cars at all, whether the windows are cracked or not. I don’t think this vet deserves having anyone attack him. We’re all on the same side, he’s trying to make the point that it’s wrong…so let’s not lose the message in the details.
Laura
Jul 1, 2013 at 2:31 pm
As a responsible dog owner, I think some of you people need to get off their high horse and use a little discernment and common sense. Your unmitigated arrogance is more smothering than any car. We who travel with our dogs are capable of making accurate judgement about our dog’s constitution, the weather, temperatures, and all the other variables involved. I have been harassed by you crazies when it was 70 degrees, my car was in the shade, windows down 4 inches and my dogs were not even panting. I don’t want to see dogs in cars over 80 degrees or with no ventilation, and I know that does SOMETIMES happen, but vigilante harassment and vandalism is an unacceptable response.
Joe
Jul 1, 2013 at 1:42 pm
So, on 95 degree days, don’t leave your dog in the car. Check.
it’d be interesting to see this done on a less sweltering day.
Joe
Jul 1, 2013 at 1:44 pm
… and with the car pre-chilled via an air-conditioner.
I don’t know about you, but I often leave my car in summer and come back 10 minutes later to find it still cool inside.
Just because a dog is in a car doesn’t mean it’s going to die or one should vandalize the car. (not to say we should leave our dogs in the car on 100 degree days for hours on end, of course… but let’s have a little common sense)
Pats
Jul 5, 2013 at 2:34 pm
If you often leave your care in summer and come back 10 minutes later and it’s still cool inside, let’s see: it’s either nighttime, early morning, you’re parked in the shade, it’s raining, or you live north of the Mason-Dixon line. It’s definitely not 80+ degrees out with the sun beating down on your car. Come visit Georgia in July, you’ll know what I mean!
June
Jul 1, 2013 at 1:38 pm
This article reminds me of a ‘What would you do?’ news segment – experiment on if people would do something if they see a dog stuck in a car on a hot day. Unfortunately 3 hours went by and no one did anything… eventually a few people did react.
The dog was actually ok (had a secret air conditioner inside the car and a trainer hidden under a blanket, telling the dog to bark), but was distressing to see few people jump to action.
Glad to see a lot of people here who would try to help the dog!
youtube.com/watch?v=VuFVzBXGcyA
Unfortunately I know a very sweet lady who lost her beloved dog to overheating because she left him in the car on a warm day. It was heartbreaking.
Side note: I have an old black (dark cars heat up more in the sun) car. We put a thermometer in the car with the windows up in the sun – it went up to 158 in a few minutes, and kept going… it was unreal, the heat of the sun (unfortunately I only have sunny areas to park). These summer days, even with the windows wide open, or my AC (which isn’t very strong) blowing, it is still pretty darn hot in the car, enough that others don’t want to drive in it during the summer. Stationary even after driving/ac it’s still pretty unbearable. Hypothetically if I drove to a store with a dog and then left the windows cracked, the car would be roasting in minutes. Lots of people have cars like this – no AC or poor AC, no shady place to park. With these cars, it’s a matter of minutes to dangerous temperatures.
Cathy Vasiliou
Jul 1, 2013 at 12:31 pm
Just listening to this is making me feel sick in my throat and my chest is pounding. I feel like my throat wants to vomit
Lee
Jul 1, 2013 at 12:24 pm
I dont really care because i eat dogs. The circle of life.
dani
Jul 1, 2013 at 11:32 am
Thank you for doing this. Twice this week I have notified the manager of a store and sat by the car waiting for the owner to come out when they have done this. Once it went well and once it ended in a confrontation. I have flyers I put on wipers in these situations also for the individual to read afterwards. Clearly having a vet say this just makes it that much more powerful as you are seeing the after math of what happens when ridiculous people leave their dogs in the car in the heat. I am sure sometimes it is not pretty. When I left the other day after the confrontation and the man took his dog out at my request after I said I would call the police if he didn’t….I turned my a/c off on the way home and after a 9 minute drive I no longer felt bad for calling the man on it, it was roasting and I WAS DRESSED FOR THE WEATHER. Anyhow thank you for doing this – I appreciate you taking the time to do so and fully agree with how awful it is.
Valrie
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:56 am
I agree with the comments that you should have been wearing a fur coat… like dogs and cats do… and facing the sun… you would not have lasted so long…imagine the panic a dog or other precious pet would be feeling? PETS should never be left alone unattended in a car in ANY weather!
Valrie
Ben Thomas
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:09 am
This would have been hugely worse had the car been facing the sun.
Clem
Jul 1, 2013 at 12:32 am
Last summer it was 110, and a couple was walking their lab all the way across a grocery store parking lot to get to their apartment across the street. Mind you, it was SO hot on the ground that I could not walk two feet on the concrete. Stupid people should NOT have pets. Poor dog.
Dorene
Jul 1, 2013 at 12:06 am
Leave your dogs home when it’s hot out!!
Nancy Hilden
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:42 pm
I have reported dogs in cars two times in our warm California climate and have gotten indifference from owners and animal control and store employees afraid to back me up. I’ve waited for owners who looked at me as if I were a wacko. There needs to be a national campaign reminding owners and telling them of the damage to pets and children.
Richelle
Jun 30, 2013 at 10:10 pm
Upsetting. Pets and people’s children are left in cars like this – I just saw a news article of a 2 yr old who died from being left in a car in the heat. How can someone not think?? The problem with pets, I think, is some people think of animals as being hardy, more resilient and able to handle harsh situations when really they should never be exposed to such temperatures. But with kids I don’t even understand.
Debbie
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:27 pm
This would make a terrific national PSA commercial, with a little more info on how dogs can not sweat. Love it when someone “walks the walk”.
Merlin Greystone
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:23 pm
Well, as usual, nearly everyone is an expert on thermodynamics. I live in Oklahoma (which by the way the state police and most local cops WILL break the glass to save an animal, or a child from the unsafe environment)
As with most southern states, we have a terrific amount of humidity which accompanies the warm/hot weather. This ALWAYS creates an increase in the heat index. (It makes the heat seem hotter than the posted temperature)On Summer days we usually have 80-100% humidity, and normal daytime temperatures run between 85-105 degrees, (depending on which summer month it happens to be)living creatures, children, dogs, etc which are left in the cars with windows only cracked can expire in an hour or less under these conditions. I work nights, and when I leave at 5:30 PM it is usually at the peak temperature for the day, even with a good working A/C which I do have, it takes more than 10 minutes to get the vehicle to a comfortable temp. I have run the A/C at max level, and stopped on way to work to get dinner at a fast food joint, and have been inside the store for 20 minutes and have come out to be greeted by a hot (uncomfortably) interior temp. I once did an experiment with a mechanics Infra-red thermometer (laser type)Initial inside temp of vehicle after running A/C for 20 minutes with RPM at 1200-was 68 degrees. Outside temp was 94 degrees with 100% humidity (heat index was 107 degrees)Shut car off with windows rolled down approx 1 1/2 inches. put class of water in cup holder-Temp of water 72 degrees. Waited 80 minutes (1 hr 20 min) without opening door, shot a temp check through the open side glass- water temp was 119.33 degrees, and vehicle inside temp was 134.471 degrees. An animal in this vehicle would have critical condition or deceased, and an infant would have likely been deceased or in near full system organ failure and critically dehydrated and in state of irreversible shock. I am an animal owner and in late spring and summer, only take my dog with me in very early mornings and never leave her in the car untended, and she always has water accessible. If there is a remote chance that the doggie has to be left in the car, she is left home with A?C, plenty of water, and cool water in the bathtub. A wet floor is easier to deal with than a dead doggie. I have served with paid and unpaid fire and rescue services my entire life, and have taken the initiative to rescue dozens of pets, and more than a few children from locked cars in the summer heat. A side glass can be replaced people, but a loved one can not, even if the loved one has four legs and fur. Thanks for your time-Merlin Greystone, Captain Diamond Head-Lone Chapel Fire/Rescue (ret)
laurie ann martin
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Thank you dr. It is a very good video for all of us to watch!!
Anna
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:42 pm
No amount of 4-footed company is worth it if its even slightly above the 70s and bright sun!
In the winter here in NC it can be in the 40’s and be cool, but if the sun is out, a closed car still gets uncomfortably stuffy and hot
gwen
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:12 pm
i wonder how different it would be if you started out with a car that was not already hot AND if the windows were down 1/2 way to all of the way. i know it would still get hot but i wonder how hot in how many minutes?
no, i don’t leave my dogs in the car when it’s hot, i even leave the a/c on if i have to stop and get gas but i do wonder just how long it takes to heat up in a car that’s cooled down to begin with.
D. Straume
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:07 pm
I was soooo proud of my niece last summer, and it was a hot one she decided to take matters into her own hands—after notifying the local law enforcement of her intentions she watched for locked up dogs in cars and it didn’t take long. She went to her car, got out her trusty crowbar, was about to extract a very HOT pooch when the owner showed up and the police (someone else had alerted them), I believe the owner was fined. She kept an eye out ongoing and actually used the crowbar a few times. Should be more people like her with the fortitude to act!!! On the news just this week a child died from being left in a car!!!!!
Chris Hamilton
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Always love to see how rabid some people can be about a dog in a car for a few minutes irrespective of whether it has a/c, shade, water, etc. because of the occassional idiot who will leave it there for a half hour or longer, yet barely anyone gives a shit about the everyday torture and abuse of pigs cows and chickens and their babies within our mainstreamed factory farm industry. Im not against defending the wellfare of dogs by any means, but as a vegan I’m just adding some perspective for those who don’ t quite get it.
Jeff Fenske
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:25 pm
Excellent demonstration! It doesn’t get that hot in Anchorage, Alaska, but cars can still get dangerous-for-dogs hot when parked in direct sunlight. COSTCO in Anchorage (Dimond Blvd location) has ONLY ONE PARKING AREA THAT HAS SHADE, next to the building, and they allow their EMPLOYEES to PARK THERE, so the spots are almost always full. I talked to the MANAGER about it, and he WOULDN’T DO ANYTHING. The way he took such a strong stand, I think he personally likes to park there, perhaps to protect his car from the sun. I understand that, but I think CAR BEAUTY OVER PET HEALTH and comfort is a wacked priority.
kym
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:16 pm
I work/travel/live part time on the road, and my dog accompanies me.
When I must go in a store for something like lunch (I won’t eat fast food) I leave the windows all the way down and water in a bowl. I also park in shade as often as possible (not always possible, sadly), but even if I have to walk further, I park in any shade that’s available.
I am mindful of the time I’m away from my dog, and his limits with heat (he takes heat much more poorly now at 13 than he did at 3). Every dog is different. Know yours. I’m also mindful of the acclimation…my dog is from a cold climate and Vegas in summer would kick his butt in quick time, even with the windows down, so if it’s like that…I will stop for a bathroom break and not much else. A lot of this is common sense, which some people lack.
Once, we were traveling in a convoy and my AC broke, yes, in VEGAS in August. I put my dog in the vehicle ahead, which had glorious AC. I suffered, he did not. It worked out just fine, except for me. ha.
Busting out windows is the responsible thing to do if you notice a dog is suffering and you can’t find the owners. But yeah…just waltzing up and busting out a window without first assessing the dog’s state and trying to find the owners – that’s just somebody being a jerk. People DO take potty breaks (I have one kidney, I take frequent ones…usually alongside the road, but sometimes at a rest stop, where, naturally, I also let my dog out to exercise and pee.)
I called the cops on a dog that was in a car by my home, in the shade on a mildly hot day, for two hours with the windows rolled up. The dog had no water and at the time I found him, he didn’t show signs of overheating. I knocked on a bunch of doors and tried to locate the owner. Once I decided that wasn’t going to yield timely results, I called the cops, who in this case came out in five minutes. The officer used her their lock-lifting tool and got the dog out. He was mildly overheated by then, so I’d done good by the dog while still giving the owner a chance to do right by their dog. All this took a little time and effort on my part, but everything wound up okay in the end. We did eventually find the owner and I told him that if the windows had been rolled clear down, I could have handed the dog some water (friendly dog) and given more time for the owners to show themselves. It really is a game of common sense.
Paula
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:10 pm
My God some people are idiots! I feel for pets and children who have idiots for owners/parents. Nice that you put this video together…maybe some food for thought for those idiots.
Louise
Jun 30, 2013 at 2:05 pm
Who would live in a place that has temperatures over 75 anyway?
Claude J. Venter
Jun 30, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Well, I agree with the doctor….
People have pores to help regulate body temperature,
Also the top of our heads is where most heat escape (apparently) Could explain why we warm up faster with hoods on.
Dogs can only regulate their temperature through breathing rapidly, That is why they pant so much, It’s not cause they’re happy, It’s because they are trying to cool down a bit 🙂
But in general, Yes a dog suffers when its too warm… If you feel like you are getting warm, your dog is probably getting twice as warmer, Because of his hair and he does not have any pores for his skin to breath through to release temperature.
If you need to leave your dog in the car, Please consider leaving on the aircon, And have your windows rolled down slightly, If you have a sun roof… Be careful with that. But do not take your dog to the shops and leave him in the car!
Christina Blom
Jun 30, 2013 at 1:19 pm
People do get out of hand about this issue. The correct rule is not, never leave a dog in a parked car; it is, never leave a dog in a parked car when the closed car will be too hot. I have had strangers yell at me when I left my dogs in the car for a few minutes while using a restroom, on a 75 degree day with the car parked in the shade. I am perfectly comfortable myself sitting in a closed car in the shade on a 75 degree day, and so are my dogs. The vet makes a very good point, to never leave your pets in an environment you have not experienced yourself. He might also have mentioned, when leaving the dogs in a car even in mildly warm conditions, they should have water available. Let’s have less knee jerking and more common sense on the issue of dogs left in cars.
Kate
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:05 pm
It infuriates me when I see a dog locked in a car on a hot day. I have called police when I saw this and when the store refused to get involved. The policeman was a total jerk and said as long as the windows were cracked they were doing nothing wrong. It was in the high 90’s! Not only were there 2 dogs in the car but also a bird in a cage. The dogs were suffering severely. I said I was going to break the window and the officer said he would arrest me if I did. SERIOUSLY?!? You are going to protect the people who are abusing these animals? I cannot for the life of me understand why this isn’t taken more seriously by the law. The police officer left and said he’d be back if he gets a call about someone vandalizing a car. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?
Ms Cat
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:16 pm
So how did the situation turn out? I hope the dogs and bird were saved and okay! What is wrong with the officer, that he would threaten to arrest you if you broke the window?? Sick!
Ms Cat
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:23 pm
By the way, I would have been the one to go ahead and break the window anyway. Arrest me if you like but at least the animals would be safe. Would’ve been worth it.
juliana schoedinger
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:04 pm
people always find something to fight about for everything. It’s not the point. The point of the Doctor and is admirable to do anytning that teach us to give a better care and being responsible pet owner. some people have common sense and sence of danger and some others don’t. if you find yourself in a situation where you see a dog in a hot car. Call for help is all you can do. try to find the owners and let them know their pet needs to be out of the car. don’t take the risk of getting the dog since He/shecan run away, get lost or injured or killed by a car and you can get in trouble. It sounds frustrating but it’s all you can do and people stop saying human life is more important than animals. because you can always help people and animals don’t be so close minded.
Claude J. Venter
Jun 30, 2013 at 2:03 pm
I agree with you that people always find something to fight about, And it is the one true thing I hate about life and people.
But the good doctor is trying to prove a point and educate people who probably does not have much common sense, Or perhaps people do not realize how much warmer an animal gets compared to a human who is used to adapting and have the natural body features to do so, Like pores, They are so important in regulating our temperature. Pores also sweat, Which helps with cooling down.
Charlotte
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:56 am
Great lesson on empathy. Thanks for the vid
Judy
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:33 am
And you weren’t wearing a heavy “fur” coat! Great eye-opening video, Doctor! Must have been a loooong 30 minutes!
Jeff Bowles
Jun 30, 2013 at 10:50 am
My favorite variant was the next-door neighbor in the condo complex, who refused to give an emergency key to the condo president (8 units total).
He had a cat, a wonderful bear of a cat, that we all loved. We pointed out that if there was a fire, or an earthquake, it would be important to check on the cat.
He was worried that someone would let themselves in, unlawfully. (“Call the cops, that’s breaking and entering,” we told him. Stop worrying.)
We eventually gave up, and told him that we wouldn’t pay for the door that we’d break down if there was an emergency. But we would check on that cat.
Bryan
Jul 9, 2013 at 1:28 am
There is a big difference between a animal in a car and an animal in a house or condo, the car definately break in and save the animal, the home that is call breaking and entering and can get you put in jail really fast.
Lisa
Jun 30, 2013 at 9:56 am
In Los Angeles they actually do come out quiet quickly – instead of calling 911 call 311 goes directly to Animal Control they get dispatched and so do the police. You are allowed to break a window in Los Angeles City so we where told by the police officer we called out last week.
Amy L Kaplan
Jun 30, 2013 at 9:40 am
I always carry two car keys. If I must leave the dog in the car, I leave the car running, air conditioning on, and LOCK the car door with the second key. Dog is safe and cool.
Jess
Jun 30, 2013 at 9:09 am
Thank you so much for making this video & sharing.
jeannie
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:02 am
Oh Mark by the way and just like the dog didn’t see it coming…you wont see it coming either. We are all “life”, equal and the same. Karma is a bitch!
Starshine
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:12 am
About “oh I can’t do anything because nobody will take me seriously” – this is the same excuse people give themselves about a dozen other heinous crimes.
Even, in some cases, crimes where they are the victim. It’s easy to say it’s okay, if you survive the experience then you call it ‘experience’.
The dog can speak for itself, it can whine, it can bark, it can be oh so cute with its awesome eyes. And its owner has left it there.
If the owner is merely blissfully ignorant of the danger, they may well be grateful to come back to a loving pet and not be dealing with thousands of dollars in vet-bill. If the owner isn’t, uh..
Noone and nobody, not the ugliest baby or dog in the world, deserves to die this way.
How you will choose to deal with encountering someone who believes differently is not something I can choose on your behalf. You have to do it yourself. Nobody is better than you at being you.
I will say, however, it’s only one example but it’s real – YES, authorities will help, if you give them the grace to try.
I’ve called a shop at the mall I was at and they sent security over. He was willing to apply the same tech he’d apply for someone who’d lock themselves outta their own car (it happens) to let the dog out – and arrange to contact the tow company. Private Property, it says, local restrictions will be applied, if towed contact…
The driver arrived before the tow truck did. I bowed out of needing to be present, and I was gentle. I do not know if the lesson was learned. I only know that talk had begun, and I can hope that it was gentlemanly because I did not act at all panicky, snarky, or vicious about a rescue condition.
Henry
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:04 am
At ALL dog show sites during summer, announcement would often be made to let everyone knows that there would be car/dog patrol all day, that they will break into any car that has dog left inside, and you’d better wish you weren’t one of them found thus.
BBStacker
Jul 17, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Yeah, that’s preaching to the choir.
Henry
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:58 am
How many human babies had died in parked cars when the temp outside was lower than 70F while the mothers went inside shopping and thought, “it’s not hot outside, I’ll be quick about it…..”?? And humans can perspire, can sweat to cool down body temp, dogs can’t. Humans don’t wear permanent ‘fur coat’, dogs do.
You think you survived a 2 hrs in a park and only got a little sick afterward, and think it’s no big deal, it’s doable?? Well, good for you, too bad the idiots shall live and perpetuate the ignorance. Hope you do that to your baby one day, and we’ll see if you’d come back and brag about it, if you aren’t in jail by then.
Danielle
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:17 am
I can’t believe the amount of insensitive asses who think it’s not a big deal! I hope none of you have pets of any kind! And where did you get the idea that a human life is worth 20 times that of a dog !???
I know many dogs who are more intelligent and sensitive than those clots! ( and don’t bother answering this….I know how your brains work…or don’t! I won’t be reading any replies!)
Steve
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:19 pm
One minor difference. The Vet could open the door and get out of the car at any time. A dog cannot do that nor can a baby in a car seat.
Jerri cable
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:56 pm
My question is I have a jeep wrangler that I leave windows out for my dogs. since there is shade with the top being up what temp would you think I should not have them out with me? They are both Pyrenees so very large dogs that love to go in the car with me. Thank you
rick r
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:35 pm
You forgot to put a large fur coat on.
Tori
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:19 pm
An animal having fur is not the same as a person wearing a coat, at least for double coated dogs like huskies, etc. A dog’s fur insulates them not only from the cold but also from the heat. This is why you should never shave down a dog like a husky. Without their protective coats they can easily die from heat stroke. Plus, their hair does not grow back properly for a long time, if ever. So don’t shave your northern breeds, and this is why I don’t accept people using the “well think about if you were wearing a fur coat” analogy.
Ashley
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:07 pm
First off when you take your pets somewhere with you and can’t bring them into the store its better of they stay in the car. Unless you want your dog let loose from being tied to a pole outside. Second of all putting a window down completely would cause your dog to run away . And lastly … the window should be put down at least enough for the animal to stick their head out. But I agree on the fact that no animal should ever be left in a car with the windows up completely or just a tiny crack…That is ridiculous. By the way anyone who would break the window and let the dog loose because it was left in the car is an idiot and clearly doesnt really care for the animal because it would be out of a companion/owner which animals attach to , and it would probably be hit by a car. Whats a bigger issue is people who buy pets and keep them outside all day an night until they end up squashed on the side of a fkn road…hows that for an issue .
A little knowledge can be dangerous
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:58 pm
LOL @ all the self professed professionals and “tough guys” who have commented.
A lot of very ignorant people who know nothing and think that their common sense, time limits, situations are correct, even though they know squat about the circumstances, or owning a pet for that matter..Yes, mistakes happen and sometimes because of bad choices, or circumstances, but for LARGEST part, pet owners love their animals, some even more than people love/treat their kids.
Obviously one should help anyone, or thing in distress, but to jump to conclusions based just on their non-expert observations is wrong! Sheesh, how did the dog live that long under such neglectful ownership?(sarcasm).
From 2 comments/examples here, you can see that even trained professionals have lost dogs due to heat…did they serve time, lose their jobs, where were all the doggie do gooders there? They obviously made a MISTAKE! Do you same people call 911 when you see children in a car under the same circumstances?. Do yous call 911 when they are left unattended in stores, near busy streets etc…. There are many abused, malnourished neglected kids out there, do you do anything?…FOCUS!!!!
Bryan
Jul 9, 2013 at 1:22 am
I do not care if it is a dog, a child or an elderly person if I see someone stuck in a hot car and the driver of that car is nowhere to be found I will do what I can to rescue who or whatever is inside.
vicki
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:31 pm
Not only are people taking a chance that the dog might die while left in a car, someone could also steal it or let it loose on purpose. It’s not worth it!
vicki
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:28 pm
Kudos to Dr. Ward for bringing awareness. Unfortunately, some people don’t have common sense and have no business caring for a living thing. I think all VETS need to tell ALL their clients basic information that they assume people know. As well as the law that shade, clean water and food must be provided.
vicki
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:23 pm
I will not hesitate to call the cops if someone leaves their kid or dog in the car. And if they take too long, I’ll break the window.
Tina
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:15 pm
Thank you so much for this experiment, even though it was uncomfortable for you! I always say, if you can’t take your dog inside the place that you are going to, leave them at home. I shared this on Facebook!
Bruce Atkin
Jun 29, 2013 at 7:23 pm
I think we all get it now but why oh why don’t shopping malls have special spots for people with pets. You see them with handicap parking, family parking, employee of the week parking but never with an area under cover and perhaps even monitored for people that had no real choice (it happens).For most of us the pet is a member of the family and we don’t leave family behind. New malls should all have underground or at the very least good covered and shaded parking and better yet monitored shady parking so you can feel safe leaving your dog in the car. If they employ someone (disabled?) to monitor the area you might even feel safe leaving your windows a bit more than “cracked” so that you would get circulation. I’d be willing to give the guy a tip for helping keep my dog safe.
Suzanne
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:41 pm
This is ludicrous. If you cannot take the dog in the mall(or wherever you are running your errands, etc) with you then LEAVE IT AT HOME. It can’t really be a “family member” left sitting out in the car while you all go shopping for however long. It doesn’t understand why you left it there in the car, why you are all going into a building without it, or how long you are going to be gone.
Erika
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:29 pm
I once walked past a car that someone had left their elderly mother in. She was obviously suffering heat stroke. The daughter had left the windows down, but did not leave the keys for air-conditioning. Plus, it was a newer car and there were no locks on doors and it was even challenging for me to find the unlock button (on the center console). By the time we opened the door, the poor woman could barely walk to the shade 100 feet away. Her skin was warm to the touch. When the daughter came out, rather than being thankful she was extrememly upset. I hope to God that she has no pets. If I came across an animal in a car in this heat, I would do the same thing. As long as I know that I am saving a life, I don’t care if someone gets mad at me.
L fLEMING
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Did you have a winter hat, coat and gloves on to get the full effect?
Michael
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:56 pm
116 with a silver car is way to hot to leave a pet.The temp would be even hotter with a black car.Please everyone if you see a pet in a hot car with windows up call the police ASAP.
Eddie Cintron
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Not to mention that dogs have a furry coat on and some breeds like Malamutes have a double layer coat which protects them from colder weather.
Every dog will handle it differently maybe one minute will be too much, never leave a area where a dog is in a locked car in hot, hot weather call the police immediately, there is NO time to waste with a dog inside a hot car.
Myra Kotrla
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:24 pm
well I sat in my car without ac and windows cracked for 20 min one day, temps not quite hitting 80. my little dog with me. Neither of us liked it! LOL. I prefer to leave him at home. But sometimes he just wants to go. I worry a lot on long trips where he has to stay in the car while I make a bathroom run, and am interested in that car ac that does not require the car to be running. It is illegal and will get you a nice fat fine in many places to leave a car running with no one in it (and no the dog won’t count).
Anna Whur
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:21 pm
We have a law in the UK, that means we can gain entry to a car or premises to save life or limb. I would have no hesitation in breaking a car window if there was a dog inside. It is irresponsible for an owner to leave an animal in a car without ventalation, like someone else has said, if you want to know how it feels stick on a winter coat and sit in a car with no ventlation in the summer and see how you feel.
Douglas Keachie
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:14 pm
This bumper sticker should be showing up on Cafe Press shortly: “We break for Hot Dogs” with picture of sweating dog in a bun and a woman with a SavaDoggie DIY sledgehammer.
Laura
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:17 pm
One more thing… It is also very BAD for your dogs to have their heads out the window while you are driving. It can cause eye issues mostly. There are so many things that we as animal owners should know before having an animal companion in our home.
BROWN FAMILY HOME
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:46 pm
This video will save lives! Dogs and little children too!
Laura
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:40 pm
It is so hard to determine who you should have the police called on. I have an suv and a large 120 pd baby. I purchased an air conditioner that I plug into the volt thing (not sure what it is called exactly) in the very back of my car. Honda came out with a camping package on the pilots and there is 1 on each side in the very back to plug stuff into. When the car is off and it is 92 degrees outside the conditioner keeps my car about 66 degrees inside. Sometimes cooler. Unfortunately people either do not look inside or do not know what it is and only my dog. I have never left him longer than 10 mins at a time. I have had the police called on me 3 times, I have had people threaten to kill me and I have had lots of negative curse words sworn at me. If someone is not taking the proper precautions of their animals then I am all for calling the police, but please look first to see if there is something that might be cooling the car from inside. A guy literally followed me home and took a bat to my car with me inside scared for my life all because he thought my dog was hot. He also has a food and water station set up in the car. I take him with me everywhere. The guy that followed me had to pay 4800 in restitution and served 6 months in jail with 36 months probation. Once he found out that I had my car equipped with all of those things he apologized but at that point the damage was done. Also, the air conditioner is not that expensive so for those who do leave your animals in the car please, please make sure your baby is cool/warm and has lots of water. You never know when there might be someone who will follow you with a bat or worse a gun.
vicki
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:21 pm
So if that cooling device shuts off, malfunctions, or breaks then your dog will be dead.
Paulette W
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:00 pm
Sheesh, stop with admonitions of James C. for crying out loud. I take Taetor with me everywhere and leave him with the air on when necessary; and down here it’s almost always necessary. So my trips in and out for an errand are quick. Some of mentioned, leave your pet at home. Well, Taetor would be devastated if I drove off without him. If he has air conditioning as well as the windows cracked (as James C also noted) while he’s waiting for me, the dude is just fine. Also is a good idea to carry a note with me with my dog’s name, car license plate number and an emergency contact number in case I get hit by a truck on my way out of the grocery store. Taetor is a good sized boy, so it’s doubtful that a fool would try to steal my car. However, I always park where I can see my car.
kathy
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:31 pm
What happens when the line is longer than you expected and the AC in your car fails. Or even if air is on if you are in a hot climate as you suggest in your post it is NOT effective if the car is not moving. I LOVE the heat. I grew up in a local that regularly got over 100 in the summer and we did not have air conditioning (1920’s house, then log home). BUT I get uncomfortable waiting in carpool line on a 80 degree day for my DD to get out of school after like 10 minutes with the windows ALL THE WAY open. Like I said air isn’t as functional if the car isn’t moving.
If you raise your dog staying home while you go to the store it is not anxiety inducing.
Rick
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:44 am
In Florida it is illegal to leave an animal in a car regardless of the weather, even for the few weeks it goes below 50 in the winter.
sandra getman
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:02 am
I WAS IN WARRINGTON CHESHIRE LAST WEEK , SAW 4 DOGS IN SEPERATE CARS PARKED ON A WHOLESALERS CARPARK SOME WITH WINDOWS SLIGHTLY OPEN ONE WITH NO WINDOWS OPEN I REPORTED IT TO THE STORE WHO TOOK THE REG NO OF THE CARS INVOLVED , I HAVE 2 DOGS AND WOULDNT LEAVE THEM IN A HOT CAR , I HESSITATE TO LEAVE THEM AT ANYTIME IN CASE THEY GET STOLEN !! I FELT SO SAD FOR THOSE DOGS I WISH PEOPLE WOULD CONSIDER THAT IN EFFECT THEY ARE WEARING A FUR COAT IN ALL THAT HEAT …
Don
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:27 pm
AND WHAT DID YOU DO ABOUT IT? DID YOU CALL THE POLICE OR DID YOU JUST WHINE ABOUT IT?
Catherine
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:01 pm
Don, she said she reported it to the store with the reg # of the cars involved. You need to read the entire entry. And I wouldn’t say Sandra was “whining about it.” I would call it “being concerned.”
Ellen
Jul 5, 2013 at 4:18 pm
YOU COULD HAVE MADE YOUR POINT WITHOUT ALL CAPS. I COULDN’T TAKE YOUR OPINION SERIOUSLY JUST BECAUSE OF THIS. DON’T DO IT AGAIN.
Linda
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:54 am
What an amazing study to do. I am just appaulled that people still do this to their animals AND kids!!!! These same people should be locked in a car as punishment to know how it feels. Thanks for the article.
Julie
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:53 am
I call the cops every time I see a dog in a car…..I have 3 dogs and my main rule if the dogs can’t go in then they stay home!!!!!!! Just think of your dog as a child…Would you do that to them????
Don
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:26 pm
I really wish people would stop saying to leave the dog at home. Are you saying you should never go on a road trip with your dog? That’s absurd. And no, you CAN’T think of your dog as a child because children are allowed a lot of places where dogs aren’t. You’re not making any sense. If you take a child on a road trip there’s no issue because children are allowed inside gas stations and restaurants.
Leslie La Plante
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:43 am
Thank you Dr. for doing this video
gloria caldwell
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:48 am
A very touchy subject(especially for those who leave pets in their cars) and you confront them! Brave of you doc and thank you -imagine now if you were wearing a black fur coat and hat in the back of an suv where windows don’t open-and you are a 100 pound canine!
Why am I also passionate on the subject of heat stroke in pets? After having to revive my 12 yr old black shih tzu, (my elderly dad forgot he put him on the back yard run on a 92 degree day)the dog got trapped on kink in the run in full sun. When I found him he had collasped and was unresponsive – a horrible sight I hope no one ever has to witnesssuch a sight. Due to some first aid background and a miraculous recovery he is still with us! Vet advised that it was not necessary to euthanize due to his recovery and age but to keep a close eye on him im even 75 degree indoor temps and make him comfortable for the rest of his life. He had a stroke in the fall and loss use of front leg but also has fully recovered! I get many negative comments when posting cautions in the temps over 70 degrees and just give a challenge-PLEASE go sit in your car(with windows cracked-in the shade for 15 minute BUT you must wear a winter coat and hat! There are many sites that have free downloads to print and leave on windows(I start in early spring before temps rise to spread awareness).DON’T break the windows FIRST-get their License #-try to page them-call 911(police)keep track of dog’s distress and elasped time (if NO response from either ) gather 2 or more witnesses to agree the animal is critcial before risking vandalism-if owner returns be non combative(they DO love the pet or they wouldn’t bother feeling the pet is lonely without them)approach from that angle and educate by phamphlets – cancel the 911 call if pet is unharmed and consider still reporting their license to the police!
Lois Tani
Jun 29, 2013 at 7:57 am
I’m glad to see a human doing this to prove to people what a poor defenceless dog must go through when they’re left unattended for any length of time. I have screamed at people the same thing…”you wouldn’t even think of spending a minute in that car yourself, why would you do this to your pet?” I can’t stand the heat so I really feel for an enclosed pet in a parked car. I would smash a window if I had to….no questions asked! I have reported cases like this to a police officer…I would love to see what they would do to the owner of the vehicle.
I think a sentence of having to sit in a car for an hour or more would be appropriate!
Wendy Smith
Jun 29, 2013 at 7:49 am
I carry a tire iron and I will use it. There is legal law and there is moral law. I work in animal rescue and while at an adoptathon someone left their dog in a car with the windows cracked in front of the store. I went into the store and announced the owner had 5 min to get their dog out or I would….. by any means necessary. I had already called the police. The owners came out and we had a little “information clinic”. 2 police cruisers arrived and I had them handle the situation. I will definitely call the police and take any child or animal unattended. I morally can not let someone cause harm to any child or animal. Windows can be replaced. A child or pet can not.
Tom Horton
Jun 29, 2013 at 7:12 am
Thanks, Doc. That was exactly the kind of thing we needed to share on the web. Hopefully, it will go viral. This kind of denseness that is shown by some dog owners is truly astounding.
Rachel Lamb iBCLC
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:28 am
Excellent demonstration – not many folk would do that – I commend your dedication, our dogs were always left with enough room that they could stick their heads out of the windows,I thought actually that the windows were opened more generously than I normally see here in Europe, and we very often have high elevated temperatures of +30°C.
Beverly Milner
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:24 am
Thank you so much for this and I am so glad to share it on facebook. <3
Sarai Alexander
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:33 am
Thanks for the taped encounter. It’s always hotter in a car, and I could just feel the “stillness”. Even with the AC on, a hot car can be exhausting (Esp in the hottest of states!) One time I was coming home from the vet’s office with one of my cats; the AC was on, but we were driving home with the sun shining in the car. When my cat started to pant, it freaked me out!!! First, I never heard of cats panting. As she was in a carrier (and I was at a stop light), I whipped her out of there, poured some water in my hand and wiped it on her face/head/paws, and put her in front of the little AC fan. Then I took some papers and fashioned a shaded area… thankfully, she quickly stopped panting and we made it home with no further panting.
Auanxious after tumn
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Cats pant for a number of reason, one of them being stress. You cat was probably just really anxious after the vets office and from being in a moving vehicle.
Trish
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:17 am
First off, while I respect what the man did and the point he is making, I think talking about how brave he is may be a tad over the top. As a human, he had many options. You know, like getting out. Or rolling down the window, or starting the car and the a/c. He’s not brave, he is proving a point. It’s not like he was going to sit there and die.
Sadly, a video like this shouldn’t even have to be made. Dogs aren’t kids. And the term “furkids” is totally ridiculous. They do NOT need to go every single place you go. They don’t need to run errands with you. They don’t need to go to the store. They don’t need to go on vacation. They have these things called kennels. Alternatively, you could have a friend house sit while you gallivant across the country. Not only do your pets get taken care of, your possessions are safer instead of leaving an empty house for a week or two.
As for those of you who are going to break windows and free the dog, you might want to keep in mind that dogs tend to be possessive about things. The larger breeds could do you some real damage when you screw with “their” car. You can’t always judge by their temperament as you approach the vehicle. You have no idea how or if they have been trained. I have seen dogs wag their tails and look friendly up until they bit. So call the police, don’t take it upon yourself to free the dog. If you do and you get bit, don’t blame it on anyone but yourself.
As for Pet Trainer, if you travel frequently to show the dogs, get a remote start. Crack the windows a bit when exiting the car, lock it, then remote start that baby with the a/c on high. Just keep in mind that most remote start cars will turn themselves off after a period of time, usually 15 minutes. In my experience, a good portion of the rest stops are full of road weary travelers. I have been approached at rest stops by people traveling with their pets asking me if I would mind watching their car for a few minutes while they used the facilities. Since I am usually pacing around my car stretching my legs, I have no problem doing so. I think you will find that a good portion of the population is the same way. =)
Howling Hearts
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:12 am
Last summer I had 2 huskymix’s a pure husky ride along with me , I was doing mobile grooming sometimes trips were 3hrs or more a way Im not leaving my dogs at home alone with no potty breaks. But there had been times where we would stop at a store, I always stayed in the car with the dogs they had ice but the car wasnt on, we parked in the shade and windows half way down so I do know what its like. But still I wouldnt leave me dogs home alone. They will go with me and for over night trips, if we stopped to eat ALWAYS drive thru never go in and sit unless they were at a hotel. One day in town had this lady call AC on me cause my dogs in the car, i had gone in to get them water since they dumped it and my bf was outside of the car checking the tires ….This lady went bat crazy on me its like he was right here I went in for a matter of less than 3min to get more water and your gonna call AC….which is funny cause I groom for most of them and Im big in helping them and trying to get a dog park ect here. Some people just want to cause problems.I WANT someone to break a window and take my dog/dogs… I WILL press charges especially if its only a SHORT time. Now I get the people who get mad over people who leave their dogs 30min or more yea but theres NO NEED to go ape crazy over 5-10min especially if you dont know WHY they are doing it…for all you know could be some kinda emergency or something
Derp
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:09 am
I would never leave my dog in a vehicle but I do got a question and it is what if to we’re to leave the window down so much that Rey could stick there head out the window and possibly even carry around a water dish and cold water bottles that you could fill up while you were gone because I have while sitting in the vehicle with them done that and they didn’t seem to have a problem with it
Also thanks for the video because though I will never leave my dog in a vehicle it’s still very alarming
Derp
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:19 am
Ah I hate my phone they not Rey
Blank
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:52 am
An important aside is that AC in a car doesn’t work as efficiently when a car is idling as it does when the vehicle is moving. We had a heartbreaking case come in when I was in North Carolina where the dogs had been left in the car for about 10 minutes with the AC and engine running. They both heat-stroked severely and one died. We also had a dog come in who had been riding in the car with the owner for about an hour, during a commute from out of town, with the AC on. The dog heat-stroked despite the AC and being in a car that was moving, but did live. A car is no place for dogs during significant heat waves, particularly if they are prone to overheating.
none of your business
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:39 am
Ok people you guys are not even trying to figure out all the details of a situation. You know that unless it is a petsmart or something like that you can not take the dog in there with you. What if you are going to the beach or something like that for a week or longer, what are you going to do leave the animal by there self for over a week? You cant rely on leaving it with someone cause most people that dont have pets are not going to let you leave them at their self if they already have pets the pets might not get along or they cant afford to take care of another one. Most dogs are smart enough that if you lower the windows atleast half way they wont jump out. There are chances that if you are going on vacation that you may forget something and have to stop and pick up something. If its a long trip your gonna have to stop and eat and you know you cant take the dog in the restaurant that is a health and safety issue. Breaking into a car is illegal and while you might give them a pet citation you probably will get a vandalism citation if not arrested. And where your wrong about leaving the AC on because gasoline is way to expensive to be left on for 20-30 minutes just sitting there. Plus leaving your keys in the car is a big no no whos to say that person who is supposidly saving the pet is just breaking the window so they can steal the car? You people need to stop and thing before you start judging people. You have no right to tell someone that do not deserve to own a pet for something like this. Like other people have said if its that serious call the police and have them break the window.
it damn well IS my business
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:54 am
First, Thank you Dr. Ward. Well done.
Now, for the moron who thinks it’s none of my business… you can bet your sweet ass that the police will be called. The dog will NOT be allowed to stay in the car while we wait for the cops… you clearly don’t understand the point of the video, therefore you are not smart enough to own a dog. Have a nice day.
none of your business
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:17 am
If your done insulting me yes I do understand the point this video is making. No I have never left a dog in a car and I dont plant on doing so. Your opinion of me does not matter and weather or not I can own a pet is none of your business either. I have owned several dogs in my life and none of them have had a cause of death other then old age except for a couple that got ran over cause they ran into the road. You obviously did not read this whole comment or your not smart enough to understand it. Once again you can not take a pet into a place of business unless it is a petsmart…If I was going away for a week or more I am not leaving the dog home alone to fend for himself. I love how people like you think they have the right to judge someone and that your opinion is the only that matters. You break my car window for an reason and not only will your ass be in jail but once you get out you will be paying to get it fixed. Have a nice day.
Laura
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:14 pm
You are so right. As I have stated in my comment, I have a portable car air conditioner. I did pay a pretty penny for it but it is not “in view”. Someone followed me after they saw that my dog was left in my suv for about 5 to 6 mins. I was at a convenience store and there were several people in front of me. Once I left he followed me and I pulled into my driveway. Once I stopped he took a baseball bat to my car threatening me. I called the police who made it in record time and he was arrested. He was ordered to pay 4800 dollars in restitution. 6 months in jail and 36 months probabtion. They charged him with kidnapping, assault with a weapon etc. All because he “thought” my dog was sitting in a hot car and in fact my cars temp was reading at 62 that day. THINK before you act because it could turn dangerous or even deadly. If you suspect something call the police and try to keep the animal cool until they arrive. You never know what is inside that might be keeping the car cool.
grammar wizard
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:28 pm
you’re* don’t* plan* whether* you’re* any*
Also, this person would not go to jail, and he/she would not be liable to pay for your broken window. Have a nice day!
CK
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Another option is to find a dog sitter, board your dog at a vet or try doggy day care if you are going on vacation.
kathy
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:19 pm
You can hire a pet sitter if you are going on vacation. When I was in college I ran a licensed and bonded house sitting business. I had clients whom I stayed with their animals for a month at a time. It really was a sweet deal. I got paid for living, they got to enjoy their vacation and the animals got to stay in their own (re less stressful) environment. I lived outside a VERY small town (think one stop sign, never mind one stop light) when I was in high school. My mom ran one of three pet sitting businesses within a 15 minute radius. IT IS NOT HARD AT ALL TO FIND SOMEONE TO STAY WITH YOUR PETS. Or at the very least come twice a day to feed, water and walk them.
JeJe
Aug 26, 2013 at 8:23 pm
None of your business, you hit the nail on the head. Today it was 80 degrees and I had no choice but to take my dog with me. I stopped at a store, made sure both windows were down a couple inches, gave him water, and went into the store. My dog whine NO MATTER what when I leave, so he was whining and panting (I know it was hot) I go inside for no less than 5 min, no more than 10 min and grab the few things I needed for dinner. Some lady comes in the store and asks about the car and I said it was mine. She said the dog was panting and whining. I knew he’d cry, he has SEVERE separation anxiety. (Of course he panted in the heat, he did that outside the car). As soon as I was informed that he was more upset than usual, I headed straight to my car. Some self righteous woman that hadn’t even ASKED about the situation had called 911. All this in less than 10 min. I knew very well that I had to get into the store and out and they didn’t even hesitate to give me a chance to get in and out before they jumped don my throat. I take very good care of my dog and if I didn’t adopt him his circumstance would be much worse. People over react. I quick in and out trip to the rest room or to pick up and item isn’t the same as leaving the dog for an hour. People are just being judgmental and not taking certain circumstances into account.
Dog trainer
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:14 am
Jennifer, that was my thought. I think of all the wonderful volunteers who transport shelter dogs across the states, people who are relocating with their dogs, people whose dogs have a job and earn them income…..well meaning people who need a short break during their travels.
Jennifer Anderson
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:00 am
I recognize that this is a huge problem and that even a police officer lost his K-9 due to leaving him in the car, but even in this video there was a sun roof that could have been opened to relieve the heat which could have resulted in different temperature readings. Really, if a person has to run into a store for food for the dog or use the bathroom and the dog has water available and windows open, can’t there be a minimum amount of time, like 5 minutes, before someone breaks their windows?
charlene
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:38 am
I’ve traveled for years with a dog, both for work and pleasure, and I have yet to see anyone hovering around my vehicle waiting to break the windows/calling the cops. I feel relatively certain that people don’t notice right away–and a post-it note on the window with a stated time of return would probably resolve the question if anyone were to stop and check out the situation.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:38 pm
then you’ve not been in my town bec more than one person has met me (i walk the dog twice a day and he ALWAYS finds them).
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:38 pm
i don’t go by minutes – i go by the dog. if the dog can fit his head through the window, i’ll give him ice cubes or water or frozen slushie or whatever is closest to hand (i HATE the heat so i’ve always got something on the go) to lick (not crunch – swallowing ice can do more damage to an overheated dog).
Dog trainer
Jun 28, 2013 at 11:59 pm
Irma: xoxoxo God bless you
Maggie
Jun 28, 2013 at 11:07 pm
Shared…thank you.
Teresa Dichesare
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:48 pm
God bless this Dr!!
Willaim
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:03 pm
Doc, your a brave man. I am sharing this in as many ways as I can. YOU ROCK. You put yourself in a position NO ONE I KNOW WOULD to show just how bad it is. Thank you for your service to the pets.
Tami, RVT
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Thank you for making this video! I’m an RVT and I’m going to share it on our FB page so our clients can see it.
Emma
Jun 28, 2013 at 9:56 pm
I’ve had to run to the store before and have had my dog with me. He has terrible separation anxiety and I know he barks the moment I get out raising his temperature even more. I now carry a spare key with me so I can leave my car running with the a/c on and still lock it while I quickly grab what I need to. He also always has a water bowl that I fill up too. I understand sometimes you’re with your pet and you realize you need to go into the store to grab something. Consider carrying an extra key to your vehicle so you can leave it running with the air on while you go in.
Jennifer
Jun 28, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Not sure about all states but here in Texas if it is 88 or higher and you leave your dog in the car even with the windows cracked it is a citation of $200 and if it happens a second time they suspend your license for 30 days. Animals dont have the option of opening the door to get a breeze. Just leave the animal at home better safe than sorry
Dakota
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Here in TX the police are exceptionally slow to even bother to show up. And don’t bother to tell the store manager of the parking lot you’re in that a dog is trapped in a hot car and try to get them to announce the model of the car and plates–they can’t be bothered either. I know. Myself and another customer of a Kroger here in TX, tried not only to involve the police, but the store manager.
So while a dog, on a day that was no less than 90 degrees, sweltered in a car, we received virtually no assistance from anyone. I confronted the man when he came out of the store, but it was taking a chance he could have been some nut. So while everyone seems to have lots of advice on what can or will happen (fines–which is total baloney. Can’t give a fine to someone if the finer never showed up!), that IS what happened. Nothing but me screaming and yelling at a guy who shouldn’t be allowed to adopt a pet rock. I’d do it again, and run the risk of a confrontation, but I surely won’t sit around and wait for any assistance from an authority figure. They were useless. The laws regarding pets need to change, and they need to be acknowledged when someone asks for help, and they need to be enforced.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:36 pm
next time, try this: “hello, 911? yeah, i need to report a vandalism. it’s a red sunfire parked outside the kroeger – german shepherd inside. damage? uh… dog’s in the back seat so it’ll be the driver’s side window in about 3 minutes.”
and THEN see how fast they show up.
lynn
Jun 28, 2013 at 9:01 pm
In reply to Dog Trainer. Leave your car running with the ac going and lock the doors, this shows people you are a responsible dog owner. I can not imagine it hurting your car for the amount of time it takes you to use the facilities. I have remote start on my car and if my pet travels with me I lock the car and then remotely start it which locks the doors. Here is wishing you many years of safe travels with your pets.
Jennifer
Jun 28, 2013 at 9:47 pm
In most sates it is illegal to leave your car running without anyone in it. weather you have remote start or not. anyone can break your window and drive off with your car and you can get a ticket
Bob
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:44 am
Jennifer? As far as remote starts, you Can Not drive the vehicle without the key. If you leave a key in the ignition that’s another story.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:35 pm
we have an idle law in my town – you leave your car running for more than 3min, you get a ticket.
K
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:38 pm
We also have an idling law.
Logan England
Jun 28, 2013 at 8:19 pm
I would have been curious to see the doctor take his own temp at the end of the video to see how much it raised his core body temperature. I hope a lot of people see this video and take it to heart and keep their pets safe.
Dog trainer
Jun 28, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Any suggestions on how to label my car that I truly am leaving dogs in the car for only a few minutes while taking a potty break? I travel very frequently and very far with dogs (for my dog training work and for dog shows, not to go shopping, etc.)and would rather not find a broken window after being parked for 5 minutes. My search for a friend to sit in the car with the dogs, who could pay for their own hotel and travel expenses and be available for my ever-changing schedule has been futile—my meager income could not support another human being to sit in my car with my dogs while I go potty. Do most people wait at least a few minutes before smashing windows? I would not want to post my phone number for anyone to call as I am a female and travel alone. I don’t think that would be safe. Maybe a note that says the exact time that I left the dogs in the car?
There are no facilities that will allow me to walk into the bathroom with three large dogs…even rest stops forbid dogs other than service dogs. Tying my show dogs outside the vehicle could result in theft. In rural areas I can use bushes to go potty but sometimes I travel miles through developed areas and public urination is illegal.
Wanda
Jun 28, 2013 at 8:14 pm
It takes you 30 minutes to sh!t??
BB
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:31 pm
YOu could take a nice little bucket with you for a porta potty…..Most places here in CA have a dog friendly attitude and leave water out for the dogs etc….I am sure you could find a way to do it without leaving the dogs…
Sarah
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:11 am
A bucket for a porta potty? I’m assuming thats a joke, because that’s a pretty quick way to get yourself arrested for indecent exposure, haha. Also I don’t know about CA, but where I live there aren’t really any other options. You definitely aren’t allowed to bring your dog into any stores or gas stations and the majority of places don’t want you to tie your dog on out front either.
Dee
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:17 am
i dont see ANYTHING about her saying it took her 30 minutes…i see 5 minutes or a few minutes posted…smh
Laura
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:45 pm
I just left a comment but I have an air conditioner that plugs into your car. It works even when the car is turned off. There are also ones that take batteries but they had bad ratings saying the batteries did not last long at all. I think it would be a great investment. It is very good about cooling the car very quickly.
Dog trainer
Jun 29, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Thank you Laura.
Irma
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:38 pm
If you can’t afford a portable toilet for your circumstances, perhaps you shouldn’t be spending the money to show your dogs. I’d bust your window in a heartbeat and take your dogs to the nearest shelter.
none of your business
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:20 am
unless you didnt read her comment she said her dogs are her work. You would be in jail for vandalism and theft. A 5 minute potty break is not going to kill the dog
Trisherbee
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:14 pm
unless of course she doesn’t slip in someone’s urine, whack her head off the toilet bowl and get taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance. She may be knocked out and not able to let anyone know about the dogs in the car…..not worth the risk.
Dog trainer
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:41 pm
Geez, ya gotta cover sooooo many things when you ask an honest question on the internet! Trisherbee, you might be amazed that, since I travel so frequently with my dogs and am concerned that I might slip in urine and whack my head on the toilet bowl, I DO wear an identification info around my neck that states I am traveling with dogs (with detailed descriptions). Okay, I really wear it in case I’m in a car accident but ya just never know when you might slip in urine, get attacked by a zombie, aspirate on your own vomit, or get hit by a meteor. By the way, when you break my windows, you can find the AED, skin stapler, bandaging compresses, and epinepherine in my trunk if my dogs need them.
Linda
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:59 pm
if you take a dog to the nearest shelter, it will probably be put to sleep, have you ever seen the inside of a shelter, it is not nice, most dogs are put to sleep…don’t take a strangers dog from a car to a shelter, YOU are putting it to death.
A Lee
Jun 28, 2013 at 11:20 pm
Pick up a set of Crayola window markers (they’re washable) and you can leave a note on your own window saying the exact time you left the car and when you should return. Also, you could leave the vehicle running with AC on high, parking brake engaged and lock them in if you have a spare car key. Should always give them access to cold water while you’re away.
Trisherbee
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:16 pm
local K9 officer did this a few years back, or there was some malfunction and the AC actually was blowing hot air….sadly his partner did not survive.
Debbie
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:29 pm
And what happens if the car stalls? The risk is too great, and no errand or shopping trip is worth it. Unless your purpose is to kill or really injure your dog, DON’T DO IT!!!
Catie
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:39 am
Most people do wait a few minutes for the owner to come before acting. Though i suggest running to and from the restroom to make it as little time as possible.
charlene
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:36 am
Post-it-notes on the windows?
My suggestion would be to carry two keys–leave the car running with the AC on if it’s a hot day, and lock it behind you while running to the bathroom if it’s warm enough to worry about the dogs in the car. If it’s 80+ I’d never leave my dog without the AC running.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:34 pm
*definitely* leave a note on the window (the inside of the windshield so it doesn’t blow off and in flourescent green or pink, taped securely so pups don’t lick it off) – put the time you left the dogs, where you’ve gone, and maybe even a limiter. example: “thank you for caring! i have a medical condition that requires frequent rest stops. i left the dogs at 4:15pm; they have water bowls on the floor. if i have not returned by 4:20pm, please notify me, i am in the ladies’ room.
another thing is that i *frequently* (daily, or multiple daily) leave my dog tied up outside the few businesses in town he’s not allowed to go in. most dog thefts are pretty spur of the moment – if it’s an organized crime ring, then they’re going to get your dog, will you, nill you but most are opportunistic snatch-and-grabs. lock the leash – use chain leashs and collars (used only for the purpose) buy locks for them.
speaking for myself, i don’t automatically go breaking windows. i stay by the car and assess the dog. when i see the dog is in distress (it’s never gotten to that point, thank goodness), then i check the doors first.
Kelly
Jun 30, 2013 at 1:07 am
I encounter the same thing when I travel. Often, I take a spare key with me so I can leave the car running with the AC on and lock it, as well, to keep my pup safe. I’ve also stopped at several rural rest areas and I just take him in with me. There’s no one “manning the station,” so to speak, so it’s never been a problem. Anyway, just a couple of tips. I would smash someone’s window if the windows were rolled up and the car was off on a 100 degree day, but honestly I think it’s ok if the car is running and the AC is on.
WAYNE
Jul 1, 2013 at 4:51 pm
GREAT COMMENT, I’M ALSO AN ANIMAL TRAINER AND LOVER. I WAS GETTING TIRED OF READING ALL THIS ARGUEING AND I LAUGHED AT YOUR SIMPLE LOGIC.I’D BE PRETTY PISSED IF SOMEONE BROKE MY WINDOWS WHILE I WAS GOING TO THE BATHROOM.I TO WOULD DO WHATEVER I HAD TO TO SAVE AN ANIMAL, BUT I WOULDN’T BREAK A WINDOW UNTILL FIRST MONITORING THE SITUATION TO SEE IF THE OWNER CAME RIGHT BACK. IF THE ANIMAL WAS IN OBVIOUS DISTRESS THEN BREAKING THE WINDOW IMMEDIATLY MIGHT BE CALLED FOR.THANKS AGAIN FOR THE LAUGH AND I WISH YOU GREAT SUCCESS WITH YOUR TRAINING AND SHOWS.
Kimc
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Since your dogs are really well-trained, perhaps you could leave the windows all the way open?
AJ Coover
Jun 28, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Thank you for posting this. I am very adamant about telling people about this same situation. Just a few weeks ago I had a very intense (somewhat loud) conversation w a young lady who did this very thing. Air temp was 85* and we went into the store at the same time. I left and she was still in there. After 15 min I went in the store and confronted her to go get her dog (maltese or similar breed)out. SHe proceeded to tell e she treats her dog better than most people treat their dogs. I said well if that was true, they would be at home like mine are or your air in the car would of been on. And when I told her if i saw her again with the dog in a locked car I would call the police. This was her only warning. She dared me to call. I hope I dont have the need see her again to take her up on the dare.
Denise
Jun 28, 2013 at 7:03 pm
James C is an idiot !
Jamie Metcalf
Jun 28, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Thank you so much for what you have endured, Dr. Ward. Some of us know better than to force an animal to suffer these conditions, but to listen to and watch you go through this was incredibly difficult. I actually felt the anxiety increase as the minutes went on. I cannot even imagine what it is like for our furry friends who have parents who lack even a smidgen of empathy. Leave your babies at home people. They wouldn’t have asked to come if they had any idea what they were getting into.
Chip
Jun 28, 2013 at 6:28 pm
I have 3 dogs and often take them to the store where they stay in the car with the window at least halfway down. One is stupid sweet and one will kill you. If anyone is stupid enough to reach in that car, it’ll be his last time.
Jo Williamson
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:03 am
I trust you say that to the cops when they issue you with an animal endangerment ticket.
Joe Johnson
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:59 am
I’m sure your KILLER DOG would be happy to see me if it was left in that situation. Would probably attack your DUMB FRIKIN ASS…DIP SHIT!!!
Robin
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Well, I guess then that your dog would be at the very least tagged as aggressive, and in some states, put down. If your dog were to attack a LEO who was attempting to rescue him he could get shot. Trust me, if I saw your dogs in your vehicle in an endangering situation I would rescue them – even if it killed me.
Donna Baggett
Jun 28, 2013 at 6:11 pm
I am in love.A guy after my own heart. Thank you for proving what a lot of us say every day. I can and will break a window to rescue a dog
Diane Epps
Jun 28, 2013 at 5:40 pm
Awesome way to remind people that animals depend on us to do the right thing and care for them….to all the good people responding here its great to know so many would take the time to do the right thing for the animals!
Bob
Jun 28, 2013 at 5:08 pm
However, human children can be left in the car for an indefinite amount of time.
Nora
Jun 28, 2013 at 5:46 pm
No, children should not be left in a parked car.
Sarah
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:55 am
I think that was supposed to be sarcasm haha
Laurie Malchow
Jun 28, 2013 at 4:26 pm
I saw that once with a black dog in a car in the summer with the windows cracked. The dog was excited, which made it worse, so I took my bottled water and squirted the whole bottle in the car for try to cool the dogs down. Not sure if I was breaking any laws, but I really didn’t care either. I know the people who left the dog in the car were breaking the law.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:25 pm
actually, you’re probably not breaking any laws: if a reasonable person can determine that the animal is in jeopardy (showing clear signs of distress) then you ARE allowed to take whatever reasonable measures you feel are necessary to help the dog.
ie, don’t just smash the window – seriously: check the doors first. many many dog owners don’t lock the vehicle because, hey – dog inside!
Lauri S
Jun 28, 2013 at 3:13 pm
Now try it with a fur coat on
loren
Jun 28, 2013 at 3:01 pm
THANK YOU for EDUCATING people out there about NOT leaving their dogs in the car. Phoenix’s police department left their K-9 dog in the back accidentally and they had to put the dog down the next day due to so much brain damage. THANK YOU for putting yourself through 30 minutes of total discomfort to make such a CLEAR message to pet owners all over.
cyndi
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:02 am
How do you leave a dog in the back of a car accidentally???? WHAT???? That is ridiculous. The police department has no excuse.
charlene
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:33 am
Unfortunately this happened in Northern California too. And a vet left their dog in the car outside their clinic in Palm Springs in the summer.
Both dogs died.
People are fallible–things happen when dogs go in cars.
That said, I’ve spent plenty of warm days/minutes in a vehicle with my dog. While I’m comfortable with her being left for short time periods in the shade in 70 degree temps because I’ve sat in that car with a book many times myself, waiting for my husband–I wouldn’t do so in hotter temps.
Suzanne
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:47 pm
There was a case in Kentucky where a K9 officer claimed he “forgot” his dog in the car and left it there for hours. The dog died. Petitions were started (including mine) to persuade the police dept to fire this officer, and what do they do? They TRANSFER him. Nice going, jackasses.
susan
Jun 28, 2013 at 2:29 pm
sorry Jeanette! I mean JAMES C.
J.K. Margison
Jun 28, 2013 at 2:28 pm
We live in Las Vegas… It’s going to be 117 degrees OUTSIDE today, so we know the temps in the car will be higher than that. I’m curious what the temperature was outside of the car on the day that you did this exercise? I’d like to forward this to all of my friends that are news anchors & meteorologists so that they could get it on the air. Wouldn’t that be a great way to spread the word?
Brandy Arnold
Jun 28, 2013 at 3:34 pm
The temperature outside of Dr. Ward’s car was 95 degrees. It would be AMAZING if you managed to get this video broadcast, not only for the potential to save thousands of dogs, but also for Dr. Ward, a truly dedicated veterinarian that goes above and beyond just his day to day practice to better the lives of ALL DOGS.
Suzanne
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:57 pm
terrific idea!
Brad Wilcox
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:14 pm
images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?p=temperature+inside+a+car+in+summer+chart&back=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei%3DUTF-8%26p%3Dtemperature%2Binside%2Ba%2Bcar%2Bin%2Bsummer%2Bchart%26fr%3Dyfp-t-900-s&w=300&h=193&imgurl=motherhoodontherocks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F07%2FTemperature-inside-car-chart1-300×193.jpg&size=23KB&name=Temperature-inside-car-chart1-300×193.jpg&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmotherhoodontherocks.com%2Ftag%2Fsummer-safety%2F&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmotherhoodontherocks.com%2Ftag%2Fsummer-safety%2F&type=&no=1&tt=114&oid=1d70bfeaea8a959a53bce45cfeb30191&tit=82%25+OF+CHILDREN+WHO+DIE+IN+A+HOT+CAR+WERE+LEFT+UNINTENTIONALLY&sigr=11ine53qp&sigi=12tpcul9i&sigb=131bvp7ov&fr=yfp-t-900-s
Jeanette Sprague
Jun 28, 2013 at 1:52 pm
I only wish he would have put the outside temp was. I have heard people say, “WELL ITS ONLY 80 OUTSIDE”. I HAVE A HUNCH this was not an extreme heat outside. Yet a dog could have easily gotten very ill or possibly died in this car. What if it had been really warm like here in TN! People who do this are stupid and do not deserve furkids! Thank You Dr. Ward for being a brave human being for doing this!
James C
Jun 28, 2013 at 2:16 pm
It was 95 degrees to start with outside. It states that at the end of the video. In 30 minutes it rose 20 degrees. Extrapolate for 80 degrees (the temp you said) and a more realistic trip (for me) of about 5 to 10 minutes. Then 80 degrees turns into about 85 (84 for 5m 86 for 10). How unbearable :p I have 0 problems with leaving my dog in the car. But I crack the windows more than an inch or two (enough for the dog to stick her head out) and I park in the shade only (minimizes temperature gain, this vet parked in the sun) and I have a general rule that all trips last 10 minutes or less. So suck it. The dog is and will be fine.
susan
Jun 28, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Jeanette Sprague > Not all people are like you some people don’t think… also if I ever see your dog in a car I will time your visit to the store and if the dog is in danger I will help it.
Robyn
Jun 28, 2013 at 5:56 pm
I don’t care if it’s 5 minutes IN the shade!! You NEVER know what MIGHT happen!! WHY RISK IT? If you love your pet…. leave it home!!
Amy
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:36 am
exactly. what if you leave your dog in the car for what you think will be 10 minutes, then you go into a store, slip and fall or have a heart attack, the ambulance comes to rush you to the hospital and the dog is still in the car 4 hrs later when you regain consciousness and call your wife to go let the dog out ? (sorry, overactive imagination. but you see my point.. as many have said, you never know what might happen. don’t leave your dog in the car.)
TXFireChick
Jun 28, 2013 at 6:17 pm
I would call the cops on you and insist for them to give you an animal endangerment ticket – so you suck it! Plus, what would happen if your dumb ass lipped, fell, hit your head and became unconscious while inside the store. By the time you came to, probably while at the hospital, your dog will surely have died.
Lauren
Jun 28, 2013 at 6:17 pm
If I find your dog in the car, I WILL call the police. You shouldn’t even be allowed to have pets.
Wolverine
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:38 pm
James C. Youre an arse. Get a fish.
Amy
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:38 am
haha he’d probably forget to put water in the bowl. 😉
Craig
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:55 am
You are so cleaver with the ‘extrapolation’..WOW, I am impressed! You must know that the car experiment would be much worse on a dog! Dogs can’t sweat, and they heat from the inside out. Their core temp rises, and their inside must be cooled. With the only natural mechanism being to pant, they then pant excessively, and go into distress and high anxiety. In an outside temp of 95, with windows cracked, most dogs would not survive. I once rescued a middle age pit from a car on a 88 degree day, that had been inside 9 minutes, with windows cracked about 4 inches. The dog had collapsed and was clearly in distress. The Vet said 5 more minutes, the dog would have died.
Layla
Jun 29, 2013 at 3:07 am
Why take your dog if you only go for 10 mins? That’s stupid. And it is hot just sitting in 80 or 85 degrees. Get a clue.
Steffi
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:22 pm
How “hot” 85 degrees is really depends on a lot of things. If James lives somewhere really hot, like I do, and it regularly gets over 100 in the summer (in fact, it’s supposed to do so today) the dog is likely to be acclimated to being in the heat. 10 minutes, in the shade, with the window open, when it’s 85 degrees out, and the dog is used to much hotter weather, won’t hurt the dog.
vicki
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:25 pm
@Steffi….really????HOT IS HOT when you’re wearing fur! They don’t sweat and can only pant when hot. Some people’s dogs will have their tongue hanging down to the ground and the freakin’ owner is clueless!
Deb S
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:22 am
James C You may do that but that doesn’t make it right, many people do leave their pets in the exact conditions as the Doctor describes. So you suck it, ass. And if I came across your car with your dog in it, I would call the cops and get your dog out. Do your dog a favor and leave it home!
K
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:27 pm
@Steffi- My animals & I are “used to” living in hot conditions- so that makes us less vulnerable to heat stroke? No. Just because we can “tolerate” the heat, doesn’t mean our bodies can.
For everyone that says “it’s just 10 minutes”… just 10min? Problems can arise in a second. Would you leave your children unattended in the car for 10min? How about yourself? Would you sit in a hot car for 10 minutes? Why not take 10 minutes and try it for yourself. Sit in your car (in what you deem as “safe”, ie, shade- window cracked, etc) and feel what your dogs feel. Then remember that they don’t sweat like we do. So, when you sweat and *maybe* get a little air flow through the car- you’ll feel cooler, the dog will not. Now try it wearing a coat.
Joe Johnson
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:51 am
You are a DUMB ASS…I would break your window in a heart beat..take the dog and put it in my car with the air on and then wait for you to come out so I could kick the shit out of you!!!!
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:24 pm
a “general” rule that all trips last ten minutes or less, eh?
sooo…. you can do a whole week’s worth of shopping in less than ten minutes?
you can get through a line-up at the bank in less than ten?
you’ve never gone to drop off forms only to be told “please sit over there, someone will call you in a moment”?
never gone to a 2pm appt and been told “the doctor’s on a conference call – he’ll be right with you”?
just because your dog has been “fine” (and what IS fine, anyway? if there’s drool around the inside of the car, your dog was NOT FINE) up to now doesn’t mean “stuff” ain’t gonna happen and you’re up in the dock for animal cruelty.
Sasha
Jun 29, 2013 at 5:24 pm
I don’t think the person meant every trip of theirs will be 10 minutes or less, I think they meant that any trip they take their dog on will only be 10 minutes or less.
They probably aren’t attempting to do their weeks grocery shopping in 10 minutes or lining up at the bank like you say. Things that are obvious in the sense that they will take a long time, they probably are not bringing their pet with.
And to everyone: just know that it is not illegal to have a pet in the car with the windows down while you run in somewhere quickly, yet it is illegal to be breaking into cars.
If my puppy is in the shade with the windows down for 5 minutes, she is more than okay, you people are forgetting, some cars do not even have air conditioning, so where does the “cruelety” get cut off? it is just the same thing to have a pet while you drive in a car with no air conditioning as it is to leave a pet in the car with the windows down.
i think people are taking this way too far, i also don’t believe the vet who did this experiment intended for people to be attempting break-ins for animals that are fine.
Should you leave the animals in their for longer then 10 minutes? thats a different story, and are the windows rolled up? that is a different story as well.. but a dog will be more then fine if they are left in a car with air to breathe from the outside for a quick time..
people just need to relax abit here, everyone gets so “tough” over the internet.
Brad Wilcox
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:14 pm
In Austin Texas it is illegal actually!
images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?p=temperature+inside+a+car+in+summer+chart&back=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%3Fei%3DUTF-8%26p%3Dtemperature%2Binside%2Ba%2Bcar%2Bin%2Bsummer%2Bchart%26fr%3Dyfp-t-900-s&w=300&h=193&imgurl=motherhoodontherocks.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F07%2FTemperature-inside-car-chart1-300×193.jpg&size=23KB&name=Temperature-inside-car-chart1-300×193.jpg&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmotherhoodontherocks.com%2Ftag%2Fsummer-safety%2F&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmotherhoodontherocks.com%2Ftag%2Fsummer-safety%2F&type=&no=1&tt=114&oid=1d70bfeaea8a959a53bce45cfeb30191&tit=82%25+OF+CHILDREN+WHO+DIE+IN+A+HOT+CAR+WERE+LEFT+UNINTENTIONALLY&sigr=11ine53qp&sigi=12tpcul9i&sigb=131bvp7ov&fr=yfp-t-900-s
Brad Wilcox
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:06 pm
If I see you I will break your glass too. I dont allow it to be done in front of me.And As I stated before no matter how angry it makes you the police will not punish me…..
Jessica
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:29 pm
I’m sorry that everyone replying to your comment is illiterate or just ridiculously violent. If I saw your car and your dog had it’s head sticking out of the window, I would bring it a bowl of cool water, not smash the window out.
daisho
Jul 2, 2013 at 1:38 am
or maybe just reach into the obviously fully open window, open the door and take the dog to the shade even. if the windows open that far thatthe dog can stick their head out, you wouldnt need to break the glass ffs
Brandy
Jun 28, 2013 at 3:21 pm
Jeanette – at the end of the video is said that the temp was 95 outside.
Ann Delicath
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:55 am
Or human kids, for that matter.
ANNETTE FLAKE
Jun 28, 2013 at 1:15 pm
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE FUR BABIES. EVEN THOUGH THE DOGS WANT TO GO WITH US EVERYWHERE, I KNOW MINE DO, BUT THEY CAN’T ALWAYS. WHEN WE TAKE OURS NO MATTER WHERE WE GO ONE OF US ALWAYS WAITS WITH OUR DOGS IN THE CAR, ESPECIALLY AT THE STORE OR THEY STAY HOME WHEN WE GO TO THE DR. THEY STAY AT HOME WHERE IT IS COOL. ANYWAY I SHARED IT SO THAT ANYONE WHO WANTS TO VIEW THE VIDEO OF YOU IN A HOT CAR, CAN. AGAIN THANK YOU.
MARGARET
Jun 28, 2013 at 1:58 pm
WE ALL WANT TO THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR POSTING THIS.. SURE HOPE OTHER’S SEE THIS AND REMEMBER TO NEVER, LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT PARKED CAR..
THIS WAS INDEED VERY NICE OF YOU DR. WARD.. TO POINT OUT TO PEOPLE’ BY DOING THIS YOURSELF… THANK YOU SO MUCH……BLESSING’S TO YOU……
Ellen
Jul 5, 2013 at 3:48 pm
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS IN ALL CAPS!
pam thompson
Jun 28, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I carry a hammer in my car for protection and would not hesitate to use it to break a window to save that poor critter from brain damage or worse. I got my bail money!!!
Xtina
Jun 28, 2013 at 2:52 pm
You say you would do that, but honestly, who carries a hammer? I actually used to say I would break a window, until I came across this situation. Unfortunately, it was near a very busy road and I feared if I broke the window the pooch would not run to me, but into traffic. AND you never know where the peson is who’s car it is or how pissed they will be for you breaking their window (no matter what the reason) so, I called the cops and took video. They arrived and found the owner and gave him a citation for endangering an animal. good thing I didn’t break the window seeing he was very scary looking and was pretty pissed that someone called on him. (that part I didn’t care about!)
Ava
Jun 28, 2013 at 6:41 pm
A lot of people carry a hammer for escaping a car in the event of an accident, usually in their glove box, it’s a type of one made particularly for shattering glass windows of cars which can save lives. It’s only smart to have one, not crazy ;p
Kym
Jun 28, 2013 at 10:10 pm
You can break a side window of a car with a center punch OR you can break off the end of an old-fashioned radio antenna and use that to break a window. To use the antenna, you need one that has a small metal ball tip. Break off the antenna about 8-10 inches down from the tip. Position the ball tip on a corner of the window, and hold down on the other end of the antenna around the center of the window. While holding that end down, lift the ball end up a couple of inches and let it “spring” back down on the glass. You might have to try it a couple of times but if you can get enough force the glass will shatter. Learned this trick when I was in rescue. Some of the newer antennas don’t have that little ball on the end so they don’t work, but the center punch is cheap, small, and you use it the same way. Just pop the punch on the lower corner of the glass and it will easily shatter.
It’s actually easier to break a glass with these methods than it is to pound on it with a hammer.
Deby
Jun 28, 2013 at 11:02 pm
They’re talking about an emergency car escape hammer:
lifehammer.com
Patrick
Jun 28, 2013 at 11:41 pm
I dont carry a hammer but I did put a rock threw someones window at a mall once to take a dog out. At the same time my girl friend called the cops and we put the dog in our car with the AC on. The cops came and the guy eventually came out after about another 20 minutes and was super pissed, he ended up going crazy and actually getting arrested for swinging at one of the cops. I how ever am not a small person and would not of been that concerned if he came out to me before the cops got there, but I can understand a lot of people not wanting to be in that situation.
Marian
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:36 am
I actually carry a hammer. And a tire iron. And a couple screwdrivers, and a center punch. Most people I know carry some assortment of them, too. Some people I know just carry a brick. I also carry spare leashes and collars, and a couple halters, too, for loose horses.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:19 pm
i have an emergency gadget – comes with a cutter to deal with seatbelts in case of submersion or the belt’s too damaged to undo and with the other end, you hold in your grip with the blunt end just sticking out the pinky side of your hand, stand to the side, and one swing takes out any window.
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:20 pm
fits on my keyring, too, right next to the poop bag holder.
kitty
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Oh, thank you, such a good idea. I just now put a hammer in my glove box.
Dawn French
Jun 28, 2013 at 12:27 pm
Thank you i shared this on f.b. and I always listen for barking or whinning critters on hot days in a parking lot. I have left my dog in the truck while we were getting ready to leave.BUT… truck was running and A/C on high and it was about 100 outside thank god the air was on High. had to call for help as hubby locked the camper door and my keys were in my bag in the camper. I would of totally freaked other wise.
I was in a p.lot last week heard a dog and searched til I found it . it was ok with owner in the car ad a/ c on but window down so it could do the doggie thing hang head out and bark at ppl going by.I have called 911 before but by time the police got there they guy left. Love your test will post it thru out the summer
KELLY PARKE
Jun 28, 2013 at 11:55 am
wow thanks doc never would do that to my furkids and trust me if I ever see this I will do what I have to do to get the furkids out and if that means going to jail then so be it thanks again shared this
Ernie Elsworth
Jun 28, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Good job, doc. But it would be interesting to see how long someone would last with NO windows cracked…
DJ
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:28 am
I slept in a car with no windows cracked for 2 hours without water. This was in Tampa, FL in the middle of the summer. I was very sick afterwards but I lived. This is NOT in defense of jerks putting their dogs in cars in hot weather. This is saying it can be done and there are bad consequences to it.
SH
Jun 29, 2013 at 5:49 am
Yeah, that must have been a hell of a hangover. 😉
Terry Robertson
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:32 am
DJ did you have a winter coat on during your 2 hour stay in the car? Add a winter coat and the fact dogs normal temperature is 101* compared to our 98*
Alice
Jun 29, 2013 at 12:57 pm
I guess if you have never seen an animal dying of heat stroke, it would be hard to imagine what it is like and you might assume that it is “not that bad”. When the body’s temperature gets too hot for too long, the body literally starts to cook. All of the body’s systems break down. The blood can no longer clot. Animals that manage to survive wind up comatose, requiring plasma transfusions and extensive and costly hospitalization. Extreme suffering both to the animal and the owner, as well as a huge hit to the pocket book. Animals, with fur and no ability to sweat, don’t stand a chance. It happens so quickly. Doubters should visit a vet clinic in the summer and take a tour.
T. Mclellan
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Exactly, agree with you , ppl always forget to factor in the winter coat they should be wearing. That way you’ll get the TRUE effect, even if all the windows are down.
Cheryl Saves
Jul 8, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Don’t forget to add Dogs Don’t sweat so it makes it worse. They pant!
rach
Jun 30, 2013 at 4:07 pm
so were you wearing a winter coat and was your ability to sweat taken from you? If not, then your attempt at making a point is garbage
TLouise
Jun 30, 2013 at 8:12 pm
do you really think his point was garbage? I think he was trying to let people know just how hot it really gets inside a parked car even if it is breezy outside and the windows are cracked. God only knows there are some morons out there that think its ok to leave a dog in a car while they go into a store for 20 minutes. If his video saves even one dogs life it isn’t garbage. He pointed out the fact that he was sweating and a dog in fact can’t do that. It’s people like you that can take anything someone tries doing for the better in the world and somehow making it negative. psst!
David
Jul 1, 2013 at 2:04 pm
His point is garbage? You know, this also applies to people who leave their children inside their car on hot summer days, and it happens more often than you think.
Sharon A.
Jul 1, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Angry much? There always has to be SOMEONE who puts EVERYONE down…even those who are well intentioned and helping animals. Rach, why don’t YOU try this “with a winter coat” and let us know how it goes. Mmmmkay???
rick
Jul 2, 2013 at 2:01 am
You lady, deserved to be slapped, and put in a car for an hour. Fuck the half hour, you really need to learn a lesson. People like you that make me sick of humanity!
Salinutah
Jul 2, 2013 at 3:58 am
So,if he suffered without the fur coat, this is not valid? If he had a fur coat on it would increase the suffering and make the problem worse, faster.
I really don’t understand your reasoning.
Christine Miller
Jul 2, 2013 at 2:29 pm
WTF? Are you an idiot? The fact that the vet was suffering WITHOUT a fur coat makes an even stronger point. And you’re ignorant – dogs DO sweat – out of their pads & feet – and panting is their main way of dealing with heat. But, of course, neither of those methods will help a dog who overheats in a car. The vet is to be commended for getting the warning out there. I can’t believe you denigrate this, as if you yourself had even posted a helpful comment, much less put yourself in any discomfort.
JD
Jul 3, 2013 at 2:43 pm
If you all look at the indentation of “Rach”‘s comment you’ll see based on that that she was responding to a comment made earlier by “DJ” NOT by the author of the video. She was trying to discount “DJ”‘s point about sleeping in a hot car for 2hrs and “surviving”. “DJ”‘s comment, while not arguing against Dr. Elsworth’s video, doesn’t really add any value to the argument either. It’s irrelevant other than to say ‘hot summer = hot car = uncomfortable/unbearable for human or pet’. I think we can all agree that no pet, nor human, should be subjected or subject themselves to what can be best described as torture in a hot vehicle. In sum, I think we’re all on the same page and thus, I hope, all respectable pet owners.
JR
Jul 6, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Your an idiot “rach” . Can’t believe some peoples absolute ignorance where animals are concerned!!! I really hope you don’t have a dog!! or any other animal for that matter
And reading further, Doug H? Really??!!! ANOTHER stupid human – I can’t believe I’m surrounded by idiots in this day and age where we know more about animals that ever before except for the the people who have no compassion for animals of course, still living waaaay back when – wake up!! We CAN compare – have I said “idiot” too much? I don’t think so with comments from the idiots I’ve named here
DAJ
Jun 30, 2013 at 5:55 pm
Were you wearing a fur coat?
Deborah
Jul 6, 2013 at 4:36 am
Why does everyone always have to be so mean & Hateful, what happened to RESPECT for other peoples opions
max
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:00 pm
dj stands for dumb jerk
Dan
Jun 30, 2013 at 7:48 pm
Why are you mean? He said nothing negative towards anyone. His post was nothing but supportive. I suggest you remove that splinter from your eye.
Dandru
Jul 2, 2013 at 6:06 pm
You’re a freakin’ idiot, since DJ said nothing offensive. Inbred, illiterate jackass.
Doug H
Jul 1, 2013 at 9:40 am
A dog is not a human! People are so self-oriented that they try to make everything refer to them. A dog’s body runs at a higher temperature, it is smaller and covered in fur, and it does not sweat over its body as humans do.
To compare a hot car for a dog to a human is not sensible. And neither was a doctor for doing that ‘experiment’. If he had a heart attack or heat stroke, that is one important person taken out of service to a community because of his unwise choice.
Salinutah
Jul 2, 2013 at 4:05 am
So, to you, an animal that dies in the heat doesn’t mean crap? Hey, it wasn’t a human…so, not important. I’d love to meet you in a dark alley sometime. Animals can’t speak and defend themselves all the time. People do things that animals wouldn’t do unless they were defending themselves. You’re comment just really pissed me off and I’d like to lock you in a HOT CAR.
Amy
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:15 am
Wow, Doug. This vet has seen animals die of heat stroke. He mentioned this fact. It was his choice to sit in the car for 30 minutes, I imagine he was not an idiot, he could have opened the door and cut the experiment short if he’d started to feel dizziness or nausea. It was his choice to do this to prove a point that even humans, without a coat of fur, with the ability to perspire, and with the knowledge and power to open a door and remove themselves from a hot car, are affected adversely by sitting in said car for a half hour. How much more would an innocent animal suffer, an animal that belongs to a human who has promised (in many cases, in WRITING if you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeded) to take care of the pet and make sensible choices for its well being.
Allana
Jul 16, 2013 at 5:32 pm
Animals cant even begin to tell us what they go through! The only way anyone can attempt to be a voice for our furry friends is to at least attempt to understand how they feel and what they go through! His own health? I’m sure a man with his education would have left the car if it got to be a serious concern, further proving his point!
He should be commended for putting himself in some discomfort just to understand on behalf of our pets!
This every man for himself aditude has got to stop! That’s the problem with this world!
alynn farmer
Jul 1, 2013 at 11:37 am
Did you not get the part about dogs and other animals not sweating like humans???? Sweat is how we cool and regulate our internal body temperature. Dogs cannot do that and therefore will die…a very agonizing death from heat stroke. So DJ, you are truly a moron–not just because you chose to sleep in a car etc but because you made that comment without paying attention to the whole story.
Peggy Bayliss
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Years ago, I took my daschund with me while I went to do a quick errand. While I was at the drug store, getting us both (yes, the dog too. . .) a coffee and some doughnuts, I ran into someone I hadn’t seen for a while. Can you see where this is going? Yes, I stopped to chat, forgetting that I had brought the dog with me. It wasn’t until I returned to the car and found him on the floor under the drivers dash, that I realized how long I had been gone. I ran back inside the store and bought several bottles of water and took them and the dog to a small park across from where I had parked. Mercifully, he survived. I wet him down first with the water and started giving small sips until he was well enough to actually take a drink safely. Even though he survived with no ill effects, I feel guilty to this day. When it is warm, I leave my dogs at home, inside, windows open, ceiling fans on.
JD
Jul 3, 2013 at 2:50 pm
That took courage to admit that Peggy. I don’t need to berate you for what you did. From the sounds of it you’re probably still doing that to yourself to this day. Thankfully, your dog survived and since then you have taken measures to ensure it never happens to one of your pets again. I’m glad to hear you say that since the incident you leave your pets at home on hot days rather than saying that you just try to make your trips shorter. Please don’t ever feel scared to share your experience with other pet owners. People need to know that the consequences are real. It’s like disease, disasters or STDs – no one thinks it’ll ever happen to them.
Jacki Rogers
Jul 1, 2013 at 7:45 pm
Yea Dj, The difference between you and a dog is the fact is your body has sweat glands to help you cool down. A dog does not. The only way a dog can cool down is through it’s tongue. In a 115 degree car it is not possible for a dog to cool itself down. But here’s the big question. Everyone who owns a dog knows how much they are hurting their dog by leaving them in a hot car so why do it????? It’s cruelty plain and simple. If you love you animal leave him home where he is comfortable.
Gs
Jul 2, 2013 at 9:38 am
Sorry, but were you wearing a fur coat???? Also, animals cannot sweat like humans. Additionally you decided to subject yourself to this environment. Animals are at the mercy of poor decision making by humans. It only takes about 10% of dehydration to put someone into cardiac dysrhythmia, seizures and finally cardiac arrest. Your experience only supports one thing. That there are JERKS like you or would use the same poor judgment you used to subject any one to being place in a car during the summer. Get real!
Bryan
Jul 9, 2013 at 1:06 am
OMG you people, do you realize it does not matter if it is a dog, cat, lizard, man, woman, or child being in a car that gets that hot is dangerous to every living creature on this planet. You all are asking Did you wear a fur coat. Just what in the hell does it matter, so you are all saying since human’s sweat that its ok, well leave your 5 year old in a car that hot and when they pass out from heat stroke you will realize it does not matter if its a human or a dog in the damn car. Get over yourselves you self righteous SOB’s
cherbug
Jul 2, 2013 at 10:37 am
are you serious DJ????
I hope you have no pets or children
Bull
Jul 2, 2013 at 11:16 am
DJ, Your reply is stupid and pointless. Please KYS
shamare
Jul 3, 2013 at 2:12 pm
But you had the option to open up the door, and get out, furkids don’t have that option
Virginia
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:08 pm
DJ, you don’t exactly have a fur around you 24/7 and dog’s, as you heard the doc say ( if you were listening ) don’t sweat. Sweating helps keep you cool so you can’t compare yourself to an animal left unattended in a hot car.
Ellen
Jul 5, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Your comment was so pointless. You sound like you’re proud of yourself for sleeping in a hot car for two hours. All you sound like is a douche by making this comment, and I don’t understand why you felt the need to post it. Would you like a reward just for that? Just because it can be done doesn’t mean it should. And it’s different for children or pets. You had a choice, they don’t.
Bill
Jul 10, 2013 at 8:15 pm
But she lived. LOL
Kattee
Jul 18, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Slept during the day I’m assuming, because obviously the sun beating on you is a big difference than the moon. I’m glad you survived but there are reports every week of a dog that didn’t. Even if the dog does survive why would you torture your pet? I understand the point you are trying to make but people should never leave their animal in a hot car, if they have to run in the store than keep it running with the air on. Most cars now have the pad for remote lock, I always bring an extra set of keys when I take my dog with me so if I need to stop I can leave the car and air running and take the other set to unlock the doors.
Cindy Hosman
Jun 29, 2013 at 8:58 am
My brother and I managed about half an hour in the 1970s before getting out and whining and going to get the offending parent. Soaked completely through, and gasping for something to drink. There’s a reason we never did this to a pet.
Carrie wAINFOR
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:22 pm
Ernie…..he was proving how horrible it was with windows cracked… AS IN IT PROVIDED ZERO RELIEF.. you must be a class A moron. I’m sure you also must be a southerner.
Erin
Jun 30, 2013 at 9:43 pm
I’m confused by your “southerner” comment. Surely you’re not displaying your belief in an ignorant and shallow stereotype? You aren’t saying that southern=stupid, right? Because that would be incredibly ignorant of you. I’m sorry you don’t know any better.
Mellie
Jul 1, 2013 at 12:12 pm
What an incredibly stupid comment to make. What does location have to do with anything? I guess I could say that it is a typical pseudo-intellectual, above-the-Mason-Dixon-Line response…but I wouldn’t ascribe your condescending attitude to them. And Ernie brings out a good point. There are times when people think they won’t be that long, and don’t even bother to roll the windows down even a little.
Derp
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Statistically the father south you go, the more the IQ points drop.
prove me wrong
Scott
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:36 pm
@Derp, the one talking IQ points doesn’t see that they typed father when they meant farther. Good one, southerners are now impressed.
Derp
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:29 pm
derp
Charlene
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Scott,,,that was great….
Charlene
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:33 pm
@ Carrie wAINEFOR……Southerner? WTH has that got to do with it??…..if you’re a Yankee you just waved your “ignorance flag” for all to see. Way to go….your secret is out.
kim
Jul 2, 2013 at 1:23 am
I think it was best to do it like this. It wouldve been better had he put the car in a shady spot. People think just because the windows are cracked and the car is in the shade that pets will be okay. If I must bring my dogs with me and leave them in the car, I find a shady spot and leave my car running. I’m lucky. I doubt anyome wants to test 3 large dogs.
Bryan
Jul 9, 2013 at 1:08 am
Shade does not mean nothing when it is that hot outside and the car gets so much hotter, so would you leave your kid in your car in the shade on a 100 degree day? I sure hope not.
Sarah
Jul 26, 2013 at 3:50 pm
Aw, come on… She said she leaves the car running. Why does everyone have to be so hateful all the time? This entire string of comments is all one giant mis-reading or misunderstanding, except for the person who assumes southerner’s are stupid. That’s just plain ignorance (and uncalled for, at that). My high-school Alma Mater , in a tiny town in Arkansas, has some of the highest test scores in the country.
Either way, this video was extremely educational and was here to provide a slight insight into what our pets go through when put in a situation like this. Why can’t we all accept that for what it is?
Jan
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:55 am
I just witnessed a couple leave two dogs in a truck last evening to go inside a restaurant to eat. I thought they would get it to go but when I saw them get a table I took mine to go and went outside & called 911. I waited about 15 minutes for the police but then the couple came out & left before the authorities showed up. The dogs were in the truck for 25-30 minutes & it just made me sick but I was afraid to confront them & thought it better to call 911. It was close to 90 degrees outside so no telling what it was inside the truck. The tag showed they were from a neighboring state but please make arrangements for your dogs if you are traveling. Leaving them in a hot vehicle is not the answer.
cindy
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:17 am
Just had the same thing happen at the grocery store. It was about 75 – 80 degrees. The manager of the store paged people with the car type to come to the service desk 3 times and they didn’t come. I called 911. The police showed up and told me there was nothing they could do because it wasn’t hot enough and the sun was not beating down on the car. It was a really humid day. This made me sick and I cried. I had just lost my 16 year old dog and I never would have done that. When the police came we noted that 2 dogs were in the car and the windows were closed!!! Sickening.
Mary Harwood
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:52 am
If by chance I do have my dog with me and I have to run in somewhere I always leave the engine running and the air conditioner on high. I also put a dish of icy cold water on the back seat floor. I generally don’t travel anywhere with my dog around home in the summer, unless we are going to the beach. It is on those days that I plan ahead with the water and have a jug of ice water, just in case!
Cindy Wade
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Leaving the car running with A/C on didn’t work for a woman in our town a couple of years ago, the engine stalled, and the fan kept going but without the engine actually “running” the A/C pumped out hot air. Her dog didn’t make it – the hot air blowing was even worse.
JD
Jul 3, 2013 at 3:00 pm
The A/C is really well intentioned and necessary when required but on a side note, running your car like that contributes to increasing the external heat. What I mean is think of how hot it is in the morning when you’re getting ready for work – maybe hot but not the hotest part of the day. Now think about rush hour after work – so hot! So many cars running all at once, all pumping out hot air. We should all be trying as best we can to reduce the heat we generate. It’s not a criticism, just to say that the A/C for the pets should be option B over option A which is leaving the cuties at home.
Amy
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:20 am
Definitely a good idea in theory (the A/C) however, in my state last year, a police dog died because his human cop partner left him in a car with the air conditioning on for a couple of hours. This was a high tech cop car with all kinds of failsafes, alarms and computer warnings if something went wrong. The alarm failed to sound, the cop was on a case and the dog died. He thought he was doing the right thing and I’m sure he was absolutely devastated. But the point is.. things can malfuntion, even when you have the best of intentions.
Margo
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:56 am
Don’t call the police, call your local animal control. They have the right to break the windows. Police won’t do anything. Then animal control would leave a ticket on the car and take the dogs to the shelter.
JoAnne
Jun 30, 2013 at 6:41 pm
I probably would have 1. called the local shelter, dog enforcement code officer, spca
Broke the window
Ran around the store looking for the people.
Was a a grocery store last year -6:05pm, beautiful female pit left in car w/only moon roof slightly opened. I waited for 15 minutes to see if the owner was returning…not, just happened a cop was in the parking lot and dog enforcement in neighborhood…was he pissed at me! Screw him….he thought his dog was fine…total 25 minutes in car!
threenorns
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:18 pm
they NEVER rush for dogs in cars on a 911.
try this next time: “hi, 911? i want to report a vandalism. yeah, it’s a blue pick up outside the Have-a-Bite diner – two dogs inside. the damage? well, the dogs are in the back, so it’ll be the driver’s side window in about three minutes.”
beckie
Jun 29, 2013 at 1:34 pm
threenorns, great idea!!!
Lagunagrl
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Perfect idea! I will remember it. Thanks!
Tina Vu
Jun 29, 2013 at 4:38 pm
OMGosh this is a great idea, watch how fast they show up then!!!
Mark
Jun 29, 2013 at 7:31 pm
I call 911 if there is a fire, somebody hurt, or need immediate police attention. You guys are should be fined for wasting our police and fire to complain about this nonsense. I’m sure your not so quick response time didn’t tell you anything at all. It’s not an emergency. Jeez. p.s. please fight your own battles and leave the store employees to help their customers. I love animals but you guys are nuts.
babsie
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:15 pm
The police will not come UNLESS a theft has already been committed.
I have had them come out twice for locked dogs and they waited on the owners and just chastised them, no consequence.
I have left my dogs in the car before, with the air conditioner running with water bowl in the car and I could see them through the glass window of the store, otherwise they cannot come with me.
The temperature at the time 75 degrees. I NEVER take them with me unless the temperature is that low. If it is freezing, do I leave the heater on, You Bet.
The only reason I take them is the trip is short, I can see them and I am back in the car. I always have water bottle in van, a blanket,and bowl so I am prepared.
I also have been pulled over for going too slow looking for a lost dog at midnite. I am so glad I had the flyers for the lost dog and I ended up giving him a flyer to look for the dog also.
Bad part, I was in my pajamas and my two dogs were with me and my alpha dog barked at him. Everything turned out okay.
I wanted to address this to Mark also, Police DO NOT write tickets for things that are NON emergencies. They are required to respond to each call but they prioritize them.
We had police show up at our home as someone called that there was a body going to be buried in my back yard as the hole is the depth of a coffin and width.
They had their K-9 unit with them “to seek the body” I guess. I asked the police to come to my back yard and see the “grave”.
We had dug a hole for a koi pond and were waiting to better weather to finish it. The huge fish tank on our porch with three koi , lighted was on the back porch, the boxes with the waterfall, the large filter and re filter (This is how my son explains it) were there also.
I insisted the police look at each piece of equipment so they are assured they could call the person back and let them know it was not a grave.
I also wanted to file a police report on a unwarranted call.
The police stated the call was anonymous and they could not do anything about it.
Pathetic isn’t it ? Anyone can call and make police reports with no accountability so unless you use your name, you can block your call, and get the police to respond.
I will just sit there with the dogs or go into the store having the people with a “car description” and their dogs are passed out and need aid immediately”. BJ
Puglove
Jun 29, 2013 at 10:23 pm
@ Mark, I’m sorry to say you are uneducated when it comes to the law considering animal cruelty and abuse is a crime last I checked in all states. Leaving a dog in a car on warm or hot days is a crime because it falls under animal abuse and neglect to say the least. Not to mention I’m sure the fire department would do all they could, they get cat out of trees all the time. I agree with Threenorns. To put it in another way pugs cannot be out in 80 degree weather longer then 15 minutes at a time because they will start going into organ failure I can’t imagine sitting in a car with just the windows cracked. Mark maybe you should go sit in a hot car and bake, not to mention I bet you make your dogs sit in a hot car and maybe it’s your windows that will end up broken because I’ve done it to save a dog before.
petparent
Jun 30, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Here on the Mendocino Coast of CA, we have NO animal control!!! The Police and Sheriff’s Departments are what we have. We call, and they come. I had to call them several weeks ago about 2 dogs left in a car on a MUCH hotter day than we usually get over here (around 75 degrees out) with only 2 windows cracked (ONLY enough to where I could get my fingers through) and NO WATER in the car. I was nice enough to go into the community center to look for the owner and give him a “heads up” before telling him that he had 3 minutes to get to his car and open the door or the windows were going to get broken. I waited and THEN called 911. When the officer arrived rather rapidly, thank goodness, the owner had come at me through the parking lot shouting expletives at me and threatening me – NOT a good idea. The officer then cited the gentleman for animal cruelty. The owner’s “defense”??? There was water in the car and the windows were down. The water was in a capped bottle on the floor UNDER 3 blankets and the 2 windows were cracked 1/4 inch!!! It may not have been hot compared to other places, but the temp gauge in my car read 95 INSIDE!!! Maybe he learned his lesson. DON’T make your animals suffer because you’re stupid!!!
Salinutah
Jul 2, 2013 at 4:06 am
I don’t know you but….you have my respect!
CIndy
Jul 6, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Here in Ontario, Canada, our police service has been posting since late April about the dangers of leaving pets in the car. They have been advising us to call 911 immediately upon finding a pet in the car because any amount of time is too long in the warm weather. They charge the owners with animal abuse, after breaking their pet out of the vehicle and having animal control take it into custody. Animal control then charges a hefty fee to the owner if, after a thorough investigation of the owner/home, they see fit to allow the pet back into the home. Our first responders take animal abuse seriously and don’t consider it a waste of their time and resources to come to any creature’s aid.
JG
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:20 pm
Maybe they don’t rush for that because a child is dying or someone had a heart attack…The loss of one human life outweighs 20 dogs
Sinnead
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:47 pm
Given all the above- I’d break the window, steal the dogs, and turn them over as “found”
Kelly
Jun 30, 2013 at 12:23 am
JG I would take 20 dogs over 1 kid. Haven’t seen a kid respond to any parent or friend the way a dog will respond to its owner or someone who helps it.
Go sit in a car in LV about now, if you want I’ll make sure no one breaks a window to help you.
DB
Jun 30, 2013 at 5:20 am
To Kelly: It is truly at this point that I lost all faith in humanity when the life of an ANIMAL outweighs the life of a HUMAN BEING. Please kindly do yourself and the world a favor and remove your head from your buttocks.
MG
Jun 30, 2013 at 1:00 pm
To Kelly:I just wish your parents has made that same decision that you just said-take 20 dogs over a child any day. IF they had, you wouldn’t be on this forum spewing such garbage! After all, a dog would have responded to your parents better than you right? #Selfish #short-sighted #moron
Karen
Jun 30, 2013 at 5:36 pm
God…I am shocked by Kelly’s statement. WOW just WOW! I cannot fathom why anyone would put an animal’s life above a human, never mind a 20 to 1 ratio!If Kelly’s intent was to sound like the world’s best animal lover, then she sorely missed the mark there. Sigh! SMH!
TLouise
Jun 30, 2013 at 8:21 pm
Seriously! Wow Kelly. I love my animals. All 3 dogs and all 3 cats. Everyone elses dogs as well. But you blow my mind. I would hope I’m never put in the position to choose between one of my kids, grandkids, or animals. Anyone else for that matter, cause guess what. The human comes first. Animals even save the human first for crying out loud!
Erin
Jun 30, 2013 at 9:50 pm
humans can be great and all, but I’ve met more than a few dogs that were a better contribution to society than more than a few humans I’ve met. I guess it’s a shame.
Erin
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:26 pm
I agree with Kelly. Why is a human life valued so highly over any other animal? Because we are more intelligent? That’s it? (And that’s only speaking for SOME of us.) That gives us the right to kill any other animal and say that we’re more important..? Meanwhile, humans are killing each other, saying horrible, hateful things to each other (this thread is proof!), and are capable of some evil, evil atrocities. What about a mentally challenged person who can’t speak? They don’t have the insight and intellect of a normal person and have the ability to communicate about as much as a cat-are they still considered “worthy” of being saved? Why? Just because they’re “human” their life is suddenly more valued? Until society recognizes that ALL animals are sentient beings, not one being “greater” or more “worthy” than the other, then we are doomed to fail. This isn’t some hippie-peace-love-BS-mantra: this is about being compassionate-to all creatures-especially valuing something else that doesn’t resemble yourself, which is clearly a bit harder for most of you.
Kitten
Jul 3, 2013 at 4:02 pm
I don’t think an animal outweighs a human or a human outweighs an animal.. but I will say that it is humans who are grossly overpopulated and spawning worse than rabbits right now.. and that many humans have no regard for their environment while dogs know how to co-exist. That is all I have to say on the matter
Derp
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Because the have humans to save.
Derp
Jul 1, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Erin, i didnt know people like you existed. You’re nucking futs man
Salinutah
Jul 2, 2013 at 4:24 am
I’m kind of mixed on Erin’s statement. People now raise kids to be disrespectful, throw tantrums, show no discipline and other people have to put up with the brats. Pets are trained better. I’ll take an animal over a neighbors kid anytime.
It’s not that animals are more important…but, they are a lot more respectful and loveable than some snot nosed kid you don’t know in a grocery store wiping his nose on your slacks.
Amy
Jul 4, 2013 at 1:21 am
There is no “like” button on here. But if there were, I’d “like” this post 🙂
Callie S
Jul 7, 2013 at 8:01 pm
There’s the idea!!!
Brad Wilcox
Jun 29, 2013 at 9:00 pm
I am up to 4 broken car windows. If I see a dog in a car in a parking lot I break the glass out. I have had the police called on me three of the four times.They never do anything to me and it always infuriates the idiot who did it…..But I bet they remember the lesson!
JG
Jun 29, 2013 at 11:23 pm
Yeah…BS. Vandalism is vandalism. Hell in a lot of states you go to jail for defending yourself much less destroying property for a dog.
LO
Jun 30, 2013 at 8:12 am
Actually, where I am from you are well within your legal rights to break a window to save an animal from a hot car. Just like you would for a child. For people saying “it’s not that big of a deal”, shame on you. These animals are defenseless and are being tortured in these hot cars. They’re defenseless and it’s up to us to help them if the sorry excuse for human beings that own them won’t.
Jewels
Jul 4, 2013 at 6:07 pm
I have a comment to no one in particular but what’s with all these negative dip shits.some people have nothing else going on but comment negativity just to get other people to comment so they can have something to do.someone try posting a cute puppy eating grass as cute as that is I would be willing to bet that 100 comments within 2 days and a quater of them would be idiots looking for attention.example omg your dogs eating grass he’s got worms or what you feed your dog cheap food that he’s looking for nutrients in the grass.
Sarah
Jun 1, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Break my glass and you’ll wish you hadn’t.
becca
Jun 30, 2013 at 8:04 am
Not always possible to make arrangements while traveling. BUT what my family does is we get food to go, and take turns waiting in car, or even let the car run, lock doors with spare key, and keep an eye on it. We are in the process of a cross country move, so couldn’t just leave the dog with someone
zoogrmy
Jun 30, 2013 at 3:43 pm
hard to believe that 911 folks didnt show up in 15 min. unless of course there were many emergencies in the area. Since most folks tell you to call 911 when you seen animals locked in a hot car. years ago, we took our dog on trips and would stop to eat and hook his leash to a tree or something in the shade near the parking lot with food and a bowl of water. No one ever told us we could not do that on the property. Please just need to be educated. Thanks for calling 911
vicky
Jun 30, 2013 at 10:58 pm
I also seen two dogs in a parked car for 15 min. that I knew of, because I was waiting for them. I also called police and they took there time about another 15 min. meantime I wrote a note and stuck on car. note said,”when its 80 outside it is at least 100 in the car. Use your head and leave your pets at home. Try wearing coats and sit in the car and see how it feels.” By the way, I have called the police and gave them your license plate!!
Tom
Jun 30, 2013 at 10:46 am
Wow! Some people think they have the right to do property damage and get arrested because they know BEST for other people. That is disgusting. Call emergency services if necessary and grow up.
This test is rigged. How many people actually start out with an already hot car? I have my A/C running while running errands so the starting point should be 72 degrees like REALITY.
I ran this test this week 6/28/2013 in Las Vegas during our 115 degree temps. I started measuring from 72 degrees and the cars interior climbed 4 degrees initially every 10 minutes. With windows cracked 2 degrees every 10 minutes. It did eventually climbed to above the exterior temperature, but after at least an hour, so it is not “sweltering” within minutes.
By the way, I do NOT keep my 90 lb GSD in the car and do not say to do this, just saying this exaggeration of the facts to make a dramatic point does NOT serve the cause.
Amazonite
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:21 am
Aaaaand you’re assuming that EVERYONE has a/c. Sorry, that’s not the case, and many older cars that do, the a/c is broken or inefficient. Grasping at straws, are we?
SigBab
Jun 30, 2013 at 11:51 am
Wow. Passive-aggressive much?
I don’t think this is grasping at straws at all, and your logic astounds me.
I don’t believe Tom ever assumed EVERYONE has a/c. But the experiment above assumes everyone DOES NOT. Both premises are illogical.
I would NEVER leave my dog in the car, even after the a/c was cranked, but Tom has made a perfectly legitimate observation. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s not valid.
daisho
Jul 2, 2013 at 1:26 am
agreed, i have a 91 mazda hatchback, and i would never leave n animal in my car. yes i have an A/A and its very eficient cuz its still got R12 in it, however, im also poor like most of the country, and cannot aford to burn the amount of gas it takes to keep that A/C running all the time. add to that the fact that a majority of older cars do not have roof insulation, your looking at what amounts to an oven. even when its only 75F outside, the inside of my car is over 100F easily, to the point that electrical tape i used for a splice melted clean off. so yeah, just because you have an A/C doesnt mean you use it, or can afford to use it for that matter.
bizzi
Jun 30, 2013 at 1:26 pm
This is a lie. 2 degree’s ever 10 minutes at 115% exterior temp, totally a lie. You would have been uncomfortable within 10 seconds, not minutes, the jumps would be very quickly. Not all are idiots in here. I won’t spout statistics, common sense you won’t listen too, statistics you would argue… what would be the point because all you want is a reason to argue.
Paula
Jun 30, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Well thank goodness he kept track of the actual heat and time. ON video. Otherwise we might think he lied.
mark
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:22 pm
To be fair. Tom obviously lied. 2 degrees every 10 minutes means that it takes about 4 hours for a car to reach the ambient temperature in his example. That’s clearly insane. in sunlight my car can go from Air Conditioned temperature to ambient in under 2 minutes. I don’t need to post a fake video. All you need to is try it yourself. Go into the Las Vegas desert on a 115F day, crack open your window, park and turn off your engine.
Of course, as a human, you’re far more likely to die then prove Tom’s ‘evidence.’
Kimc
Jul 1, 2013 at 7:46 pm
Your car must be very different from mine then, because mine heats up much faster than yours when left in the sun. I have a station wagon and if you look at it from a second story window, it looks like a terrarium — all glass. It has no insulation, and I use the air conditioner, but as soon as I turn the AC off, it heats very fast.
Nathan
Jul 1, 2013 at 8:00 pm
I also bet you sat in the car and got it to the 72 degrees.. then WITHOUT opening a door, started your test..
The simple act of opening your door lets a LOT of HOT air in your vehicle..
Secondly.. a LOT of dog owners roll the windows down rather than use an A/C when they carry their dogs with them, thus the car never reaches that nice 72 degree mark..
As to the wear a winter comment so many are throwing out.. learn a little more about a dog.. dogs grow winter coats and shed that coat during the summer. His summer coat of fur is comparative to you wearing long pants and a long shirt.
As to the Vets video.. it is VERY good in the point it gets across.. a human in a set of scrubs with a t-shirt top(very thin and light!) will be able to better withstand the heat than a dog. So if it is miserable for them, it’s definitely miserable for dogs. ..Sure it’s not 100% lethal EVERY time a dog is left in a hot car for half an hour.. but it sure isn’t pleasant 100% of the time!
Pats
Jul 5, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Not all dogs have a light summer coat — my Australian Shepherd won’t go outside all summer unless I go with him; he actually stands at the back door to decide where it’s cooler, inside or out. Some of his undercoat is lost in summer, but not so you’d notice — overall he is wearing long, thick fur all year round. I brush it and believe me, in July I’m still getting big brushfulls of thick undercoat off him every week. Dogs and dog breeds differ widely on this “summer coat” idea, and everything is relative. I live in the south, so my dog doesn’t get to go with me on any errand where I have to get out of the car. He stays home where it’s climate-controlled.
Sarah
Jun 1, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Since none of us are dogs, and never have been dogs, we can’t say that what we know what it feels like to be a dog! How stupid to postulate that any human knows what a dog feels like if he’s hot, or not, or if he’s lonely, or tired, or bored, or smelling ancient smells, or whatever… WE DON’T KNOW WHAT.
Sarah
Jun 1, 2014 at 5:04 pm
“DOG ALARMISTS”, relax. Mind your own business. I’ll leave my dog in the car when I want to, and I’ll leave him home when I want to. End of discussion.
Cinder
Jul 1, 2013 at 6:18 am
I think the vet left out a very important detail. He should have been wearing a thick coat instead of a short sleeved shirt. Had he, he may only have been able to stay in the vehicle 15 minutes rather than the 30. That would have given a more accurate account of the true effects. Anyone taking that information at face value, could come away believing that leaving their pet for half the amount of time, 15 minutes, would be safe and that could have deadly consequences. We all love our animals, so do everything you can to protect them….please don’t leave them in a vehicle for any amount of time. The last thing I’m sure you want is to come back to your car to find your beloved pet’s lifeless body.
Sally Barnes
Jul 2, 2013 at 7:50 am
So many pets are left in cars, but you know in Dubai afew weeks ago, a couple left their 3 year old in their parked car, they had forgotten him for 3 hours. Temperatures here are around 120 outside, so god knows what the temp would be inside a a car, and it want even in direct sunlight either.
Leaving pets and kids in cars happens all the time, just so shocking…..
The video was very informative.
Denise
Jul 2, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Did You know that it is LEGAL in Pennsylvania, USA to smash a car window to save an animal or child and to call the state police/ police. That person will be arrested and fined on the spot and charged with Animal Cruelty and have their animal taken away from them! The same holds true if it was a child, their child/children will be taken by human services. This is one law I am glad that Pennsylvania has.
Sarah
Jun 1, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Oh please. If you smashed my car window for any reason you’d be wishing you hadn’t. Get a grip!
Linda
Jul 3, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Hair-kids you mean? Dogs do not have fur, they have hair.
Pats
Jul 5, 2013 at 2:10 pm
All of my dogs have both fur (fine undercoat) and hair (coarser overcoat.) What kind of dogs do you have?
Connie
Jul 8, 2013 at 4:13 pm
You can get advice on what to do if you see a dog trapped in a hot vehicle from Peta. They also will send you small flyers that you can put on a person’a car windshield. You can get 50 flyers for just $5.00.
Sarah
Jul 22, 2013 at 11:18 am
I’m curious what the temperature was outside and what the heat index was. Is that known?