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.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, the panting is the main way they cool themselves. But as you said, not enough in a hot car; releasing the hot air into the hot air and taking in more hot air, lol.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Do they also lose moisture when they pant?  If they do it would seem to be counterproductive to staying cool and hydrated.

[F, Calla & Luca]

It definitely is cooling but it does cause water loss. I think it really is the primary cooling method a god has. But they will dehydrate if they do it long enough and get no water to drink. Yesterday, we walked in a reserve. The dogs panted and I "glistened" a bit. The were definitely thirty and made use of the poop bag a as water dispenser that Donna mentioned. I wasn't thirsty so I guess they lost more fluids.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Maybe the thought of drinking out of the poop bag wasn't appealing to you! ;)

I had a similar experience with Tara at a park yesterday. By the end of the walk she was lapping down the water and I just needed a sip.  But I walk with a wide brimmed hat on too which really helps keep me cooler.

[F, Calla & Luca]

No the clean poop bag wasn't my style but I can drink out of a bottle , which is where the water in the poop bag came from : )

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think a very relevant factor is whether the car is in sunlight. I would never leave my dogs in the car for an hour anyway. They would get exhausted just from looking for me.  10 to 15 minutes is my max. But the temperature has to be cool, the car not in the sun or if it's dark. Needless to say, the dogs can't come with me much of the time now unless they can go into a store or we are going to a park etc. I don't even like to crack the windows. I worry someone could toss a cigarette in the car or taunt the dogs.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, there are some variables. Shade vs sun and the color of the vehicle can also make a difference although it is a small one. I hadn't thought about someone tossing a cigarette into the car! But you're right there are people who would do such a thing.  My concern with an open window is that someone will reach in and unlock the car and take the dog. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

True too. Two dogs may be a bit more intimidating. I really don't know how the dogs would react to a stranger opening the car. Calla and Luca to a much lesser extent are territorial at home, barking at passersby. But out walking or in the car they almost never make a peep if you don't count Luca crying because he wants to get to someone, for instance if we are picking up one of my kids and I foolishly have told him, or get out and walk.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Maybe two GSD's but I'm  not sure about too doodles! LOL! It would be interesting to set up a "sting" operation with them by leaving them alone in the car (with you watching from a distance) and have people  approach the car.  Maybe not open it but just act like they might. Strangers of course.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Ricki....an important reminder. 

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

This is why I bought the Puppy Hauler 2011.  It has a remote start so I can exit the car - start it with the A.C. running AND the doodles are locked in.  It only gives me 10 minutes and I am watching the clock.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

That's a wonderful feature Jane! What happens after 10 minutes?