Careless Dog Owner Locked Dog in Car Dog Nearly Died from Heatstroke

Dogs do not have sweat glands and are more prone to heatstroke in summer than humans. Careless owners often lock their dogs in the car while handling errands and return to find the dogs have passed out. Many dog owners do not know: inside a closed car, with prolonged direct sunlight, dogs can easily suffer heart failure and may die within 20 minutes.

A few days ago, a fainted Samoyed was sent to a pet hospital. According to the owner, they went out for an errand at noon and found it inconvenient to bring the dog along, so they locked it in the car. After returning half an hour later, they found the Samoyed had passed out and was burning hot all over. The owner took the dog to the pet hospital, where the doctor diagnosed severe heatstroke. If it had been discovered later, the dog might have died.

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According to Dr. Yang Chunwei, “Every year we receive many cases of dog heatstroke, most caused by being locked in cars. The car is not ventilated, and under direct sunlight, the temperature can reach up to 50°C. Dogs can develop high fever and coma within 20 minutes, leading to brain hypoxia, cerebral edema, heart failure, and even death.”

According to veterinarians, besides being locked in cars, dogs left alone at home or even during walks are also susceptible to heatstroke.

“In summer, try not to leave dogs alone at home. If necessary, ensure good ventilation and enough water. If walks exceed 15 minutes, provide water. Dogs with trimmed fur should avoid hot weather and direct sunlight. Thick-furred and cold-resistant breeds like Samoyeds and Chow Chows can stay indoors with hard, well-ventilated cooling mats to help them through the hot summer.”

1. What to Do If Your Dog Has Heatstroke?

1. If your dog's temperature is too high, it is likely suffering heatstroke. Symptoms include body temperature above 105-110°F, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, bright red gums or eye membranes, obvious fatigue, collapse, unconsciousness, or sudden onset of illness. Remember: if your dog shows any of these symptoms, immediately move it to a cool place.

2. If possible, place the dog in a basin of cool water or wrap its body with a wet towel soaked in cool water. Note: avoid using cold water or ice as they cause blood vessels to constrict, hindering heat dissipation. Owners must treat dog heatstroke as an emergency and promptly seek veterinary assistance.

2. Three Key Points to Prevent Dog Heatstroke

1. Never leave your dog in a car without air conditioning. Even a few minutes in the sun can cause the car's temperature to rise sharply to a harmful level. If you must leave your dog in the car, even for a short time, ensure the air conditioning is on.

2. Provide your dog with a cool resting area. This space should be ventilated and shaded. During the hottest part of the day, air-conditioned areas are best for dogs.

3. Ensure your dog has easy access to cool, clean water. Place water in a shaded area and change it frequently to prevent bacteria or insects. When traveling with your dog, always have water (about 1 gallon per day) and a water bowl on hand.