Animal welfare advocates are warning pet owners about the lethal risks of extreme heat, emphasizing that leaving animals in vehicles or on hot pavement can lead to rapid overheating and death. This guidance follows long-standing concerns regarding summer safety, including a 2021 report from the Humane Society of Utah regarding the dangers of heatstroke in companion animals.
The Danger of Heat Trapping in Vehicles
The Humane Society of Utah has long cautioned that temperatures inside a vehicle can increase by approximately 40 degrees in a single hour, with the most significant temperature spikes occurring within the first 15 to 20 minutes. Even on a day where the outside temperature is only 60 degrees, the interior of a car can reach over 100 degrees within an hour. During Utah summer months, when average temperatures frequently range between 85 and 100 degrees, conditions inside a vehicle can become dangerous to animals within minutes.
Mitigating False Security
Common misconceptions regarding vehicle cooling methods do not mitigate these risks. According to research cited by the Humane Society of Utah, cracking windows has very little effect on the temperature rise inside a vehicle. Additionally, studies by the Louisiana Office of Public Health found that neither cloudiness nor the color of a vehicle reduces the amount of heat trapped inside. A vehicle essentially becomes a greenhouse even on cloudy days.
Risks of Idling Vehicles
Leaving a vehicle running with the air conditioning on also presents specific risks. Beyond the potential for an animal or child to accidentally knock the vehicle out of gear, owners face increased pollution and the potential for violating municipal anti-idle ordinances. There is also the risk of mechanical engine failure.
Recognizing Heatstroke Symptoms
Identifying the signs of heatstroke is critical for pet owners. Symptoms of distress include increasing panting intensity, drooling or salivating with thicker saliva as dehydration progresses, and agitation or restlessness, such as pawing at the air. Other physical indicators include a bright red tongue that may swell, dizziness, stumbling, muscle tremors, lethargy, increased heart and respiratory rates, and even seizures or bloody diarrhea and vomit. An elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees is a significant indicator of heat-related illness.
Vulnerable Animal Groups
Certain animals are more vulnerable to overheating than others. Brachycephalic breeds—often referred to as "smush face" breeds—such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, and pugs, as well as Pekingese and Boston Terriers, are at a higher risk due to reduced breathing capacity. Young, elderly, ill, or overweight pets are also at elevated risk. Because dogs primarily control their body temperature through panting and have limited sweat gland function in their feet, they cannot cool down as effectively as humans.
Legal Considerations in Utah
In Utah, it is not legal for a citizen to break into another person's vehicle to rescue an animal. While some states have enacted "good samaritan" laws to provide civil immunity for such actions, Utah does not. Individuals who break into cars to assist animals may face criminal charges or civil liability. Instead, the Humane Society of Utah advises that if an animal is seen in distress, owners should contact local police or animal control immediately, or call 911 for direction to the appropriate officer.
Preventative Safety Measures and Tips
To prevent heatstroke, experts recommend several safety measures. Owners should minimize outdoor exposure during the hottest parts of the day and schedule walks or exercise for the early morning or evening. When walking pets, owners can test the safety of the pavement by placing the back of their hand on the asphalt for 10 seconds; if it is too hot for a human, it is too hot for a pet's paws. Additionally, pets should always have access to fresh, cool water and adequate shelter, though owners should be aware that some dog houses can inadvertently increase internal temperatures.
