Do you ever think that leaving your dog in a car for just a few minutes is fairly harmless?
You're not alone.
Nearly half of dog owners admit that they've left their pet in a parked car alone at some point.
But what many people don't realise is just how quickly it can become dangerous.
On a seemingly mild 21 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach up to 32 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Leave it for half an hour and it can climb to a potentially fatal 40 degrees.
And it doesn't take a heat wave.
The inside of a car acts like an oven, trapping heat and causing the temperature to rise much faster than the weather outside.
So what should you do if you see a dog locked in a hot car?
If the dog is showing signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, weakness, or appearing disoriented, call 999 immediately.
If you're traveling with your own dog this summer, make sure they have plenty of water, take regular breaks, and make sure they're secured with a seatbelt while you're driving.
Most importantly, never leave them unattended in a car, even for what feels like a quick stop.
Because when it comes to dogs in hot cars, even a few minutes can make all the difference.
For more simple guides, visit Confused.com.
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