Hot days in Hungary: PETA Germany cautions people against leaving their dogs in the car

Even in the spring, cars can become death traps: Hungary is currently enjoying sunshine and temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. This is why animal rights group PETA Germany is calling on all dog guardians to refrain from leaving their animals alone in a car. Every summer, many dogs die in agony trapped inside a hot vehicle simply because their guardians underestimate the heat and its impact on animals.

“Even now, temperatures can easily turn a car into an oven”,

says Jana Hoger, PETA Germany’s campaigner for animal companions. “And finding a parking spot in the shade or leaving the windows slightly open doesn’t protect the animals left inside. PETA is calling on everyone to avoid leaving dogs in cars and to intervene if they see an animal locked inside one.”

Just a few minutes in the sun is enough to raise the temperature inside a parked car to up to 70 degrees. Dogs have very few sweat glands and cool their bodies down primarily by panting. Therefore, they can quickly sustain irreparable organ damage or even go into cardiac arrest inside a hot car.

People who discover a dog inside a car on a warm day should act quickly.

Have nearby supermarkets or shops page the owner if the car is in a carpark. If the owner can’t be easily found, the police should be called immediately. If the dog is already in a life-threatening condition – for example, appearing wobbly, panting heavily, vomiting or displaying a dark tongue or glazed eyes – compassionate people should consider breaking a car window in order to save the animal’s life. This should be permitted by emergency regulations if no other kind of help – such as the police or a fire brigade – arrives in time.

Once the dog has been removed from the car, providing first aid is essential. Even if the animal’s condition seems to improve, a veterinary exam should be performed as soon as possible in order to prevent organ damage.

Source: PETA Germany