A Hot Car Can Kill: Protecting Your Dog On Hot South Dakota Days

There is no safe amount of time to leave a dog in a parked car on a hot South Dakota day. It can kill.

Even when the outside temperature seems moderate, the inside of a vehicle can heat up rapidly, reaching dangerous temperatures within minutes.

Cracking the windows provides very little protection and does not prevent the interior from becoming dangerously hot.

Exactly how long it would take for a dog to die cannot be predicted. It depends on many factors, including the outdoor temperature, humidity, sun exposure, the dog's age, breed, size, overall health, and whether water or ventilation is available.

However, heatstroke can begin developing in as little as 10–15 minutes under hot conditions, and once a dog's body temperature rises above a critical level, organ failure and death can occur quickly without immediate veterinary treatment.

South Dakota summers regularly produce temperatures in the 80s, 90s, and sometimes above 100°F. On these days, a parked vehicle can become life-threatening in a very short time.

The safest choice is simple: never leave your dog unattended in a parked car, even for a quick errand.

Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion, collapse, or seizures.

If you suspect a dog is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area, begin cooling them with cool (not ice-cold) water, and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

A few minutes of prevention can save a dog's life. When temperatures rise, leave pets at home or take them somewhere they can safely stay with you in a climate-controlled environment.