The Scottish SPCA is warning the public that leaving dogs in parked hot cars can have fatal consequences, after its helpline received more than 500 calls of concern in three years.
With temperatures set to rise across the country, the society is warning leaving dogs in hot cars, even for just a few minutes, can have fatal consequences.
Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise dangerously fast. Dogs in hot cars can overheat in minutes, even in the shade and with windows open. On a 21C day, temperatures inside a parked car can rise to 45C within an hour.
Tom Underwood, Head of Clinical Services and Veterinary Strategy at the Scottish SPCA said: “Every summer we see the consequences of dogs left in hot cars and the message is simple; it is never safe, not even for a few minutes. A dog can’t sweat to cool down like we do and trapped in a hot car its body temperature climbs fast, its organs can start to fail and within minutes you are looking at a painful, avoidable death.
Leaving a dog in a car on a hot day is simply unthinkable
“A car heats up much faster than people expect, and we must reach a point as a society where leaving a dog in a car on a hot day is simply unthinkable. Not risky. Unthinkable. If you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call 999 – this is a police matter and acting quickly can save a life.”
Last year there were 198 calls of concern related to animals left in hot cars, up from 165 in 2024 and 185 the year before.
In one case, a Scottish SPCA Inspector attended a call regarding a dog left inside a parked car at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, which could easily have ended in the dog’s death.
When the inspector arrived, the outside temperature was 26°C and a thermometer recorded the temperature inside the vehicle as 31°C. Several members of the public had gathered around the vehicle, and were so concerned for the animals’ welfare, they had broken into the car shortly before the inspector arrived to remove the dog.
The owners stated they had left the dog in the car for around 45 minutes while visiting someone in hospital. Although they believed the vehicle was in the shade, the position of the sun had changed, placing the car in direct sunlight.
The dog was taken to the vet for assessment. It had an internal temperature of 39.1°C and required further monitoring and treatment until its temperature returned to a safe level. A normal dog’s temperature ranges from 38 to 39.2°C.
Left inside a car for around two hours
In another case attended by the Scottish SPCA, two dogs left inside a hot car for around two hours were sadly found dead, despite the vehicle initially being parked in the shade.
Signs of heatstroke include heavy panting, excessive drooling, breathing difficulties, lethargy or collapse, vomiting, or loss of coordination.
If you see a dog in distress or showing signs of heatstroke inside a hot car, call Police Scotland on 999 immediately.
Read further advice on what to do if you find a dog in a hot car.
Learning about animal welfare is a crucial step in preventing incidents like these from happening. That is why the Scottish SPCA is calling for it to be embedded in the Scottish curriculum. Research from the Scottish SPCA and the University of Edinburgh demonstrates teaching animal welfare increases understanding of animal needs and sentience and strengthens empathy towards both people and animals. Read our full manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
