Dangers or leaving your dogs in car
As you prepare for a summer of fun with your passenger pup, don’t forget the dangers of dogs in hot cars (or any pets in hot cars for that matter, including cats) so that you can plan your trips accordingly. There are a lot of summer dog dangers to consider, but this one should be on your mind all season long. While running errands with your built-in companion might seem harmless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that leaving your dog in the car can quickly become dangerous. From the risk of heatstroke and dehydration to pet theft, there are several reasons why keeping your furry pal at home during the warmer months might be the best option.
Prioritize your pet’s safety by refreshing yourself on the reasons why leaving your dog in a car isn’t safe.
The dangers of leaving dogs in parked cars
It’s never safe to leave your dog in a hot car. And it’s not just about your dog’s comfort levels — there are several reasons why it’s not a good idea to keep your beloved pet in the car while you’re away.
1. Temperatures can fluctuate quickly
No matter the time of year, leaving your dog in a car can be very dangerous due to quickly fluctuating temperatures — either very cold or very hot. But the warmer months can be especially dangerous as temperatures inside your car rise quickly once parked, becoming much hotter than it is outside.
This has many dog parents assuming that leaving a car window open slightly can help to counterbalance hot temperatures. So, can you leave your dog in the car with windows cracked? Although this can help slightly with ventilation, it’s still not enough for your dog. According to the CDC, even with windows cracked, internal temps can soar nearly 20° F (approximately 11° Celsius) in just 10 minutes, meaning that even a quick errand can turn into an unsafe situation for your pup.
Furthermore, researchers from Arizona State University and UC San Diego found that interior temperatures of vehicles parked become hotter than outside temperatures in less than an hour. This was found to occur regardless of whether a car was parked in the sun or in the shade. The same study also found that cracking windows did not safely reduce interior temperatures. So, no matter where you park on a warm day, it’s only a matter of time before your car becomes unsafe for any pets left behind.
2. Heatstroke
Even if you think it’s not too hot outside, those rising internal temps can quickly become a serious situation for your furry best friend. For example, an incident reported in April 2025 involved a dog rescued from a 105° F (40.5° C) car, even though the temperatures outside were far from sizzling. This means that even mild temperatures can be too hot for a dog inside a car.
If dogs are exposed to significant heat, they run the risk of getting heatstroke, a condition that can be serious if not treated quickly. If you notice any of the following signs in your dog on a hot day, seek veterinary attention immediately:
Excessive panting and/or drooling
Lethargy
Dizziness or disorientation
Glazed eyes
Vomiting and diarrhea
Rapid heart rate
Some dogs may be more susceptible to heatstroke than others, such as long-haired or thick-coated dogs, elderly pets, and those with health conditions (like obesity). Plus, certain breeds with short or flat faces, like Pugs and English Bulldogs, already have difficulties with breathing, so it may be harder for them to cool down through panting. Other dogs at higher risk include those who get easily anxious or excited while waiting in the car, even on cooler days.
3. Dehydration
Dogs in hot cars also have a higher chance of experiencing dehydration, one of the summer dangers for dogs to avoid. Because dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, extreme heat may cause them to pant excessively. But the more they pant, the more water they lose, meaning that they could become dehydrated.
While you could leave water in the car with them, your safest bet is to simply not keep them in a hot vehicle by themselves.
4. Pet theft
Leaving a dog alone, whether outside of a store or in a car, can invite some non-health-related scenarios like pet theft. Some individuals may be tempted to steal a dog left unattended, even breaking into a locked car to get to them.
You’ve likely already given your pet a collar and dog tag — or even a microchip — but for extra peace of mind, it’s always a good idea to have your furry pal by your side in public.
5. It may be against the law
Did you know that leaving your dog in a car may be illegal in your state? Depending on the safety and weather conditions, there may be legal consequences if someone sees that your dog has been left alone in your car.
In California, for example, the law says not only that owners can be fined if their dog was confined in a car in conditions that endangered their health and safety but also that anyone can take reasonable steps (yes, this means breaking windows) to remove a dog from another person’s car if their health and safety is in question. More than 30 states have similar vehicle confinement laws and regulations regarding animals.
Are there any safe ways to leave your dog in the car?
Leaving a dog in the car is rarely the best option, but sometimes doing so is unavoidable depending on the circumstances. To be clear, you should still never leave your dog alone in a parked car since interior temperatures can reach extremes so quickly. It should never be considered safe to do so, even if you think your errand will be quick. If there is absolutely no other choice (i.e., an emergency), however, here are some ways to help reduce risk while leaving your dogs in a parked car for just a few minutes:
Keep it quick. Again, there’s no “safe” time frame for how long you can leave a dog in a parked car. But if your pup is with you, save anything that’s going to last longer than a couple minutes for another day, and be sure to take your dog home first. Remember that it just takes minutes for cars to reach sweltering temperatures on hot days.
Choose a cooler time of day. Dawn and dusk are your safest bets for avoiding heat stroke, as they’re typically cooler than other times of day. However, be sure to check your local forecast, as even tepid external temps can still become much hotter in the car.
Set a timer. Avoid getting sidetracked. Set a timer on your phone or watch for a few minutes to remind you to finish up your business quickly and return to your dog. When the timer goes off, always prioritize your pet’s safety — stop what you’re doing and get back to your car.
Have another passenger in the car with your dog. Try to ensure there is another responsible adult in the car so that your dog isn’t alone. This way, you can also keep the parked vehicle running safely as the person can monitor it. Never leave a child alone with a pet in the car, running or not.
Set the parking brake. Even if you’re gone for just a short period of time, it’s not worth it to take any chances. Go ahead and set that parking brake just in case your pet hits something they shouldn’t.
Provide access to water. On a warm day, even just a few minutes in the car can become very hot. Give your dog a drink of water both before and after, and consider leaving a bowl or water or ice cubes in the car with them where they can easily access it.
Remember: even if you feel you have to leave your dog in the car during an emergency, you’ll end up with another emergency situation on your hands if you don’t prioritize the safety of your pet.
Can I leave my dog in the car with air conditioning?
You might notice that we didn’t include “keep the A/C on” in the list above. Many people wonder, “Can you leave a dog in the car with the A/C on?” While this is a tempting option because it will keep your pet cool, it might not be as safe as you think. Dogs might move around in the car and accidentally turn off the A/C or hit other buttons that could endanger them.
Even cars with “dog mode” might not be foolproof. For example, some users of dog mode features — where the internal temperature can be maintained from an app while owners are away — have reported technical issues with climate control. Likewise, it’s worth considering that well-meaning passersby may just see a dog left in a parked car and may not realize the air conditioning is on. To avoid broken windows as well as risks to your pet, just leave them at home if you need to run errands.
Alternatives to leaving your dog in a hot car
Instead of leaving your dog in a car while you go about town, why not do errands at dog-friendly places? Many establishments welcome leashed dogs inside, and even those that don’t have specific pet policies might allow yours if you just ask. If you need to stop for a bite to eat while taking a road trip with your pet, call ahead to restaurants along your route to see if they allow dogs. Stopping at dog-friendly stores and restaurants is your safest option while taking your pet along for the ride.
But sometimes it’s best to leave your pal at home where it is temperature controlled and safe. Alternatively, you could drop them off at a doggy daycare or other type of boarding facility.
Protect your pet all summer long
It’s understandable to want your furry sidekick with you at all times, but their health and safety should never be sacrificed. Avoid leaving dogs in hot cars by remembering these tips and suggestions.
Keep your pet extra protected throughout the summer and beyond with dog insurance. Injuries and illnesses can happen unexpectedly. Having coverage for your pup can keep the spring in their step for your future adventures together.
