How Long Can You Last in a Hot Car?

NFL player, Tyrann Mathieu, shows us exactly why you shouldn't leave your dog in the car on a hot day.

What More Info?

Here is an infographic showing how dogs' bodies react to heat (credit: Petplan  )

Heat Stroke In Dogs

A dog's body temperature

A dog's normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. At around 104 degrees, heat exhaustion sets in. Signs of heat stroke:

  • Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst
  • Bright red tongue and mucus membranes, which turn gray as shock sets in
  • Thick saliva, drooling, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
  • Unsteadiness and staggering
  • Lethargy

Important: By the time the signs of heat stroke are visible, it's often too late!

Some Dogs Are More At Risk

  • Short-nosed
  • Long-haired
  • Young

The Dangers of Heat Stroke

At a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit and 15 minutes of suffering, these are all possible:

  • Collapse
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Organ failure
  • Death

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