As summer approaches and temperatures rise, more and more people continue to leave their dogs in hot cars. Every year, dogs suffer and die when people make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car, even for “just a minute".

According to American Veterinary Association, hundreds of dogs die each year from brain damage and severe heat in vehicles.

Dogs can suffer heat stroke in as little as 10 minutes, and the process is extremely painful and uncomfortable, as dogs are limited in ways they are able to reduce their body temperature, like panting or sweating through paw pads.

According to Pet Finder summer safety tips, a cars temperature rises 40 degrees every hour, even on a relatively cool days around 70 degrees or above. A cars heat will rise the quickest within the first 30 minutes, causing extreme discomfort to an animal. A common misconception many people believe, is that by leaving windows down or cracked, this prevents heat from rising and provides air circulation. However, studies prove that leaving windows cracked or down does not prevent temperature increase. Temperature will rise regardless, leaving your dog at extreme risk.

Ever wonder what to do when you see a dog in a hot car?

Here are some things you can do to help:

1. Take note of the vehicles color, make, model and license plate number.

2. Have the owner paged in the nearest buildings, or call local humane authorities or police.

3. Keep track of how long the dog is in the car.

4. Call local humane authorities or police and wait until they arrive.

5. If authority does not arrive in a timely manner, call once more.

6. Watch for heatstroke symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, thick saliva, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and lack of coordination.

IMPORTANT:

If a dog shows any sings of these symptoms, get him or her out of the heat immediately, and to a veterinarian right away. Many people wonder if they are protected under the law to intervene when a dog is at risk in a vehicle. Only 22 states have statutes that either prohibit leaving an animal in a confined vehicle or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues an animal from a vehicle under certain conditions. However, if a case is presented to a court, often times leniency can be granted to a rescuer, providing immunity from civil liability of damage for saving an animals life in a highly exigent situation.

Now, what about the person who neglected their animal by leaving he/she in a hot car? A fair amount of states mandate punishment for those who leave dogs in cars. Reporting these people is always a wise decision, to ensure re-enforcement of animal treatment and safety.

A great way to help is by keeping dog safety information or brochures in your car. This is an efficient way to educate people about heat danger to dogs.

Write a note or place brochures under windshield wipers or slipped through windows, to kindly remind people that leaving animals in their cars is very dangerous and abusive.

Spread awareness of summer safety for dogs in cars to reduce neglect and fatalities of these poor pups that are being left in cars!