dogs die in hot cars

Posted By SLCo Animal Services
June 27, 2016

Take the Pledge and NEVER leave a pet or a child in a hot car! 

Come into Salt Lake County Animal Services and sign the pledge. In return we will give you an Auto Alert  (while supplies last) to place in your vehicle to help warn you of extreme temperatures. Help us save more lives! Suggested Donation $1 ( so we can purchase more alerts and educate more people.)

It’s COOL to leave your dog at home this summer. Even if it’s a quick trip to the store. A dog can die in as little as SIX minutes when being left in a hot car despite the windows being open. On a warm day temperatures inside a car can reach 120 degrees in just a few minutes. A pet can suffer irreparable damage to internal organs such as brain damage, or death from heatstroke or suffocation.

Salt Lake County Animal Services wants dog owners to be prepared this summer when the temperatures climb above 70 degrees. Even if it feels cool outside, it doesn’t mean it’s cool in the car.

If your dog is exposed to extreme heat:

-  Look for signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a deep red or purple tongue, vomiting, and   staggering.

- If your pet is overheated take emergency steps: gradually lower their body temperature in cool water, place cool wet towels on their belly, ears, or paws, and offer them cool water.

- Immediately take them to a veterinarian.

What to do if you see a dog in distress in a hot car:

- Take a photo of the license plate number and make/model of the car.

- Go into the nearest store and ask them to make an emergency announcement about a pet left in a hot car.

-  Call Dispatch at 801-743-7045 and wait for Animal Services or the police to arrive.

Leaving a dog in a hot car is animal abuse. Pet owners can be cited and face misdemeanors or possibly felony charges.

If you see a child in a hot car, please call 911 immediately.