Hot Cars and Dogs: How Fast a Parked Car Heats Up
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"I'll only be five minutes." It's the most dangerous sentence in dog travel. A parked car heats up far faster than most people expect, even on a mild day.
The numbers
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the inside of a parked car can rise almost 20°F in 10 minutes and almost 30°F in 20 minutes. After an hour, it can be more than 40°F hotter than outside.
| Time parked | Outside 70°F | Outside 95°F |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | about 89°F | about 114°F |
| 20 minutes | about 99°F | about 124°F |
| 60 minutes | about 113°F | about 138°F |
Estimates by Jan Null, CCM, San Francisco State University, as published by the AVMA.
Cracking the windows makes little difference. Neither does parking in the shade, because the sun moves.
Why dogs are so vulnerable
Dogs cool themselves mainly by panting. In a hot, still car, panting moves hot air in and out and stops working. Flat-faced breeds, senior dogs, puppies, overweight dogs and dogs with heart or breathing problems are at even higher risk.
Road-trip rules we follow
- Never leave your dog alone in a parked car in warm weather, not even "for a minute".
- Plan rest stops where your dog can come with you, or travel with someone who can stay outside with the dog.
- Use drive-throughs, pet-friendly stores and pay-at-the-pump when you can.
- Carry water and a bowl, and offer a drink at every stop.
- Ask yourself if the dog needs to come on this errand. If not, home is the safest place.
If you see a dog in a hot car
Note the car's details, ask nearby stores to page the owner, and call local animal control or police. Laws on what bystanders may do differ by state, so let the authorities lead.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Heatstroke is an emergency: if your dog is panting heavily, weak, vomiting or collapsing after heat exposure, get to a vet right away.