GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) -The hot temperatures of Summer can be dangerous, especially when it gets over 100 degrees. Leaving dogs in the car while it’s hot outside can be fatal.
According to Mesa County Animal Services, leaving a dog in the car when it’s above 80 degrees can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, organ failure, and even death. Even if it’s just for a short time, it can still be dangerous.
“It’s quick. It doesn’t take long. People say oh, I was in the store for 5 minutes, and that dog’s already very ill because of the heat… It can be fatal. It can kill them, and it can kill them very, very fast” said Kevin Bozarth, the Acting Manager for MCAS.
Bozarth said during the Summer they get multiple calls a day about people leaving their dogs in a hot car.
According to Bozarth, vehicles that have a ‘dog mode’ can be safe for dogs. He also said leaving the windows of a car rolled down or cracked while a dog is inside is a better option, but it’s still risky.
“It helps, but it’s still not safe. I’ve done multiple welfare checks with the window cracked and it’s still well above 100 degrees,” said Bozarth.
According to Bozarth, the best option is to leave your dog at home instead of in the car. He said if you’re uncomfortable leaving your dog at home, some good alternatives are leaving them with a friend or a doggy daycare
If you do see a dog in a hot car, Mesa County Animal Services said the best course of action is to call non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707.
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