Should You Take the Dog?

You grab your keys or slide on a shoe and suddenly your dog is at the door—tail wagging, eyes wide.
“Take me! Take me!”

You pause and think:

• “I’ll only be a few minutes.”
• “He can wait in the car.”
• “I’ll park in the shade.”
• “I’ll leave the A/C on.”

It feels like a harmless decision. But even with the best intentions, it can go very wrong.

The Danger of Hot Cars

Even on a pleasant 75-degree day, the inside of a parked car can hit 100 degrees in just 10 minutes. On hotter days, it climbs even faster—reaching temperatures over 120 degrees in no time.

And cracking the windows? It doesn’t help nearly enough.
Leaving the A/C running? A system failure, dead battery, or one curious nudge of a paw could shut it off without you even knowing.

Why Dogs Can’t Handle the Heat

Dogs don’t sweat like humans. They pant to cool themselves, but that doesn’t work in a superheated, enclosed car. In that kind of environment, their body temperature rises quickly—and the consequences can be severe.

Watch for signs of heatstroke:

• Rapid panting or difficulty breathing
• Excessive drooling or vomiting
• Bright red or pale gums
• Lethargy, confusion, or collapse

Without quick treatment, overheating can lead to organ failure or death.

Think Twice Before You Take Them Along

Some common excuses sound reasonable—but they aren’t safe:

• “It’s just a short errand.” Even quick stops can take longer than expected.
• “The shade will keep the car cool.” Shade shifts. Cars still absorb and trap heat.
• “He’s fine with the A/C running.” Car systems fail. It’s a risky bet.
• “He loves the car.” That may be true—but your dog’s safety always comes first.

A Better Plan for Summer Errands

If your dog can’t go inside with you, it’s better to leave them home where it’s cool and safe.
Or make it a true outing—take them to a dog-friendly park, beach, or back to see us at Community Animal Hospitals for a checkup, grooming, or wellness visit.

If you ever suspect your dog is suffering from heat exposure, contact our team immediately at (727) 592-1816 or visit us at CommunityAnimalHospitals.com.

This summer, make safe choices. Sometimes love means staying behind.