Can I Leave My Doodle in the Car for an Hour on a 70 Degree Day?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Denise's recent post has made me hyper-vigilant about dogs in cars. Even though the weather here is in the mid 70's I am still watching cars and dogs for signs of trouble. Even though I wasn't sure that I needed to be watching in this temperature.

Today I was sitting in the car with Tara at a store waiting for DH to run an errand. It was about 73 degrees outside. There were 2 dogs that I was watching in the same lot. One was tied to the outside of the owner's car with a retractable leash that allowed it to run out into the middle of the driving lane at will. It was in the shade with a bowl of water. The other dog was in a car with one window cracked about 2 inches. I didn't know how long it had been there but I watched it for about 15 minutes.  It looked distressed to me but maybe it was just distressed because it was missing its person. How do I know? 

By the time DH returned the owner of the tied out dog had returned and left with the dog after receiving my dirtiest of looks.  I pointed out the other dogs to DH and he went inside the store and told an employee about our concern. Happens the owners where in the checkout line at the time and came out after thanking him for his concern.  By then I had walked over to the car and could see no water but could see another smaller dog on the floor. Both dogs were panting. The owners claimed they had only been in the store for 5 minutes but I watched the dog for 15 and he was there when I arrived! So they were wrong about that. I think people lose track of time in stores.

I did some research on ambient air temps and car interior temps and discovered that I was correct to worry about the dog in the car:

Here is an excellent article in Pediatrics-Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/1/e109.full

Here is the relevant quotation if you don't want to read the whole thing :

"We demonstrated that on sunny days, even when the ambient temperature is mild or relatively cool, there is rapid and significant heating of the interior of vehicles. On days when the ambient temperature was 72°F, we showed that the internal vehicle temperature can reach 117°F within 60 minutes, with 80% of the temperature rise occurring in the first 30 minutes. In general, after 60 minutes, one can expect an 40°F increase in internal temperatures for ambient temperatures spanning 72 to 96°F, putting children and pets at significant risk. We also determined that cracking open windows is not effective in decreasing either the rate of heat rise or the maximum temperature attained. "

 

I found it interesting that cracking the windows has very little effect on keeping the car interior cool because this is what I see many people doing.  I just wanted to pass this info along in case others were unsure at what point there should be cause for concern.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Thanks for that info.  I try to make it a practice of leaving my doods at home unless they can come into the store with me.  I think there are a lot of people out there that just don't think.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I agree people don't always use their heads and one thoughtless moment can end in disaster.  We do the same-Tara stays home unless she can come into the store with us or one of us will stay in the car with her.

[Lynda Kamrath]

It gets very hot quickly in a car and the temperature outside can also change quickly.  Parking in the shade does help, but it is so easy to get distracted.  My dogs love to go anywhere with me, but in the summer I usually leave them at home.  It is just not worth it to take a chance.  We like to go to the beach or on a bike ride and then stop for lunch somewhere, but we have favorite places with shaded areas and where we can watch the car.   Just be very aware that your dog is dependent on you to take care of everything for him.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

That's a good reminder Lynda. Even though the temp may be cooler when you leave your dog it can change so quickly.  Our dogs can't roll down the window or honk the horn for help. They are trusting us to do the right thing for them.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I think I am going to make a lot of enemies by the end of the summer! Many people become offended when you show concern about their dog that was left in the car.  Oh well...:)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so glad you posted this, Ricki, and especially that you included the information on the temperature inside the car when it's "only" 72 degrees outside.

I also think that a lot of people do not understand that dogs don't sweat like we do, and the only way they can cool themselves is by panting.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Even for humans, the kinds of temps listed above could be fatal in a short while and this is more dire for babies and the elderly.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes,  the smaller the being the faster their core temperature will heat up/overheat. So I suppose smaller dogs would be more at risk than larger dogs?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Do they also sweat through their paw pads? I thought I read that somewhere recently.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, and their noses; those are the only places. Not a very efficient way to release body heat.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

No, it is such a small percentage of the surface of their bodies compared to human skin.

[F, Calla & Luca]

But they also pant which I think must add a lot to the total. Still not enough in a hot car.