It’s stressful when you see a dog alone and locked in a car, especially on a very hot day. It’s difficult to know what to do in these types of situations so we’ve got some amazing tips. This is our expert guide to helping a doggo that’s been left in a car.
As a dog lover, there is almost nothing worse than seeing a dog alone in a car and visibly stressed or struggling. Have you ever seen this and just not known what to do? Or had a little panic and tried to reassure the pup but still can’t figure out how to help?
Well, we’re here to tell you exactly what you should and shouldn’t do in these situations!
Is it ever okay to leave a dog alone in a car?
The short answer is no. To be on the safe side, NEVER leave a dog alone in a car. You may think you’re going to just be a minute, but you never know if something holds you up and you’re gone for longer than you anticipated.
If it’s a hot day, your furry friend being stuck in your car could cause irreparable organ damage or they could die. There’s little to no reason for you to risk the health of your dog. Think of your dog as your baby (most of us do see them as our babies anyway), you wouldn’t leave your infant or toddler alone in a car – this is the same.
Did you know that if it’s 21℃ outside, the temperature inside of your car can reach up to 40℃ within 30 minutes? Think about how hot our sunny South African days can get, your car would literally be an oven for your furry best friend, even with a window left slightly open!
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Dogs handle heat differently to humans
Animals don’t sweat like we do and their bodies regulate heat differently, and they’re wearing fur coats 24/7.
A dog’s core temperature is naturally higher than a human’s and for them to cool their bodies down, they pant. Their heart rate and blood pressure then begin to increase and their veins start to enlarge in an effort to cool down their core organs.
When the doggo can’t regulate their temperature, this can impact their major organs and can lead to serious health complications, heatstroke or death.
Read: How pet insurance brings peace of mind in emergency situations
What you should do if you spot a dog alone in a car
Most of us would do absolutely anything to help a distressed animal, especially a dog locked in a car. But there are a couple of things that will be more detrimental than helpful in these situations. Here’s what you should do:
- Approach the vehicle slowly, you don’t want to make the dog feel threatened and cause them to become even more panicked.
- Keep an eye on the pup – are they showing signs of distress? Do they need water? Is their behaviour weird or changing?
- Tip: Signs of heatstroke in a dog include restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting or lack of coordination.
- See if you can safely give the dog some water. If the dog isn’t aggressive or panicking, try to pour some water in through an open window (if there is one).
- Try to add shade to the car. Use a flattened cardboard box or something big enough to shade the window closest to the doggo. Maybe ask someone nearby for some help.
- Ask any nearby security guards, car guards or passers-by if they know who owns the vehicle. Or see if the mall or shopping centre you’re at has an intercom system where an announcement can be made.
- If the dog is in distress and you can’t find the owner, call your local SPCA as soon as possible! Describe the dog’s condition to the SPCA and ask for their advice or assistance.
- Don’t leave the scene if you can. If you have to leave, see if you can find someone else who can take your place before you leave.
- Take notes and record everything that’s happening. Things to note down are:
- When you noticed the dog and how long approximately you’ve been there.
- A description of the pup, what they look like, their age etc
- The dog’s symptoms or how they look or how they’re acting
- The car’s resignation, make, model and colour
- If you can, take a video of what’s happening
- This will all be helpful if the authorities (SPCA or the police) or even if the owner has questions later.
What you should NOT do if you see a dog alone in a car
In these types of situations, our fight or flight instincts tend to take over and we may act without thinking. That’s why you need to be cognisant of some things that you really shouldn’t do in these situations.
Don’t:
- Break into the car. Do not try to break a car window or break into the car yourself. This could land you in trouble with the authorities for causing damage to the vehicle and it could be harmful to the dog. The broken glass could end up harming the dog you are trying to help.
- Approach the car too quickly. As we mentioned above, you could cause the dog to become aggressive or cause them to panic should you rush to their aid too quickly. If the dog is distressed, a stranger running to them would not help calm them, no matter how good your intentions may be.
- Make the dog too excited. You may feel like you should call the pup and give them love and attention but this can be damaging. If the dog is already struggling to breathe, making them excited could cause them to suffer even more.
- Lose your cool. These types of situations are stressful and it’s easy to let the panic take over but the best thing you can do is to remain calm.
- Don’t pick a fight with the owner when you find them, this doesn’t help anything. Calmly explain what you’re trying to do and how you’re trying to help.
We hope these tips will be stuck in your mind in the event that you need them to help a dog alone in a car. Let’s keep our doggos safe.
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