How Many Dogs Left in Hot Cars will die Today?

SAN ANGELO, TX — With temperatures soaring into the triple digits this week, professionals warn of the dangers of leaving pets in parked cars even for a minute. 

According to the Humane Society, the temperature in a car can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of minutes even with the windows partially down.  

Pets can suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation. 

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures Wednesday afternoon will reach 100 degrees and 104 Thursday.  

A heat advisory will be issued when the heat index will be greater than 100 degrees but less than 105 degrees. 

An excessive heat warning will be issued when the heat index will be greater than 105 degrees.  

The chart above shows the temperature inside a parked car can exceed 120 degrees within ten minutes.  That could be fatal for pets. 

Signs of heat stress in pets include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting or a deep red or purple tongue. 

The Humane Society advises to move the animal to a cooler location and gradually lower a pet's body temperature by sprinkling cool water on it, or placing cool, damp towels on the back of its neck.

If you see an animal in a hot parked car, call the police or an animal control agency.  

In Texas, there are no specific allowing individuals to remove a dog from a hot car but pet owners an be charged with animal cruelty.    

Friday is the first day of summer and in West Texas that usually means a string of days above 100 degrees.  

Even if the temperature doesn't reach triple digits, don't leave pets in parked cars.