Paw Safety Check
How Hot Does a Parked Car Get? (Never Leave a Dog Inside)
Every summer, dogs die in parked cars - often after “just a few minutes.” The problem is that a car becomes an oven astonishingly fast, even on a day that doesn’t feel that hot. Here are the numbers, and why cracking a window doesn’t help.
How fast a car heats up
A parked car acts like a greenhouse. On a 22 °C (72 °F) day, the inside can reach about 29 °C (84 °F) in 10 minutes and 40 °C (104 °F) in 30 minutes. On a 30 °C (86 °F) day it can pass 49 °C (120 °F) within half an hour. Most of the rise happens in the first 10–20 minutes.
Cracking the windows barely helps
Studies consistently show that leaving windows slightly open makes only a small difference to how hot a car gets. It does not keep a car safe for a dog. Parking in shade helps a little, but the sun moves and shade disappears.
Why it’s so dangerous for dogs
Dogs can’t sweat to cool down - they rely on panting, which fails in hot, humid, still air. In an enclosed car they can develop heatstroke and die within minutes. Flat-faced and thick-coated breeds are at even greater risk.
What to do if you see a dog in a hot car
- Note the car’s make, model and registration.
- If the dog is in distress, call local police or emergency services / animal control immediately.
- Ask nearby shops to page the owner.
- Check your local laws before breaking a window - rules on “good Samaritan” rescues vary by country and region.
The simple rule
If you can’t take your dog with you when you leave the car, leave your dog at home. No errand is worth the risk. For walks, check the ground first with the paw safety checker and learn the signs of heatstroke.
Frequently asked questions
How hot does a car get in 10 minutes?
On a 22 °C (72 °F) day a parked car can reach around 29 °C (84 °F) in 10 minutes, with most of the temperature rise happening in the first 10–20 minutes.
Is it safe to leave a dog in a car with the windows cracked?
No. Cracking the windows makes only a small difference. A car still heats to dangerous levels quickly, so never leave a dog inside.
What should I do if I see a dog in a hot car?
Note the vehicle details, call police or animal control if the dog is in distress, and ask nearby shops to find the owner. Check local laws before breaking a window.