05/20/2026
Have to share this.
🚨☀️ HOT CARS CAN TURN DEADLY IN MINUTES ☀️🚨
As warmer weather approaches, West Hartford Animal Control wants to remind everyone just how dangerous it can be to leave a dog inside a parked vehicle — even for a “quick trip” into the store. 🐾🚗
Many people underestimate how fast temperatures rise inside a car. On a 70° day, the temperature inside a vehicle can climb well over 100° in less than 30 minutes. Even cracking the windows DOES NOT make it safe. 🌡️
Dogs cool themselves very differently than humans. They primarily rely on panting, and when trapped in a hot vehicle, their bodies can quickly become overwhelmed. Unlike us, they cannot simply sweat to cool down. 🥵🐶
Within minutes, a dog can suffer from:
⚠️ Heat exhaustion
⚠️ Severe dehydration
⚠️ Heatstroke
⚠️ Organ failure
⚠️ Brain swelling
⚠️ Seizures
⚠️ Death
Some warning signs of heat distress include:
🚨 Heavy or frantic panting
🚨 Excessive drooling
🚨 Vomiting or diarrhea
🚨 Bright red or pale gums
🚨 Weakness or collapse
🚨 Unresponsiveness
Please remember:
🐾 “I’ll only be a minute” can still be too long
🐾 Cracked windows DO NOT significantly cool a vehicle
🐾 Parking in the shade is not a guarantee of safety
🐾 Leaving the air conditioner running can still be risky if the vehicle shuts off unexpectedly
The safest option is always to leave your pets at home where they are cool, comfortable, and safe. 🏡💙
If you ever see a dog locked inside a hot vehicle and appearing distressed, call 911 immediately. Every second matters. 📞🚔
A simple errand is never worth risking a life.
🐶 Be their voice. Protect them when they cannot protect themselves.
