WARNING SOUTH DAKOTA! Don’t Leave Your Dog In A Hot Car!

As temperatures rise this summer, pet owners are being reminded of a deadly danger that can develop in just minutes: leaving a dog inside a parked vehicle.

Dogs cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as humans.

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Unlike people, dogs rely almost entirely on panting to cool themselves down.

Inside a hot, poorly ventilated car, panting quickly becomes ineffective, especially in humid conditions.

In a matter of minutes, hyperthermia can set in, potentially causing irreversible brain damage, organ failure, or death.

Even when outdoor temperatures seem mild, the interior of a vehicle can become dangerously hot very quickly.

On a 70°F day, the inside of a parked car can climb to nearly 99°F in just 20 minutes.

Cracking the windows provides little relief and does not make the situation safe for pets.

A recent survey by Confused.com highlights how common this risky behavior remains.

The survey found that 15% of dog owners admitted to leaving their pet in a car on a hot day.
Additionally, 62% of respondents said they have seen a dog left inside a vehicle during warm weather.
Public concern over the issue is growing.

According to the survey, 31% of people actively try to locate the owner when they spot a dog in a hot car, while 16% stay nearby until the owner returns.

More than half of respondents believe leaving a dog in a hot car should be illegal and punishable by fines.

This summer, if your dog can’t come inside with you, it’s safest to leave them at home.