Leaving pets in a parked car can be extremely dangerous and even fatal, especially during the warmer months. Even on a mild 20-degree day, the temperature inside a closed car can reach 40 degrees in just minutes. Cracking the windows does little to keep the car cool. With only hot air to breathe, pets can suffer from heatstroke, which can lead to irreversible organ damage or even death.

Signs of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and collapse. If you see a pet in a parked car displaying any of these signs, it’s important to take immediate action by calling local authorities and staying with the pet until help arrives. Remember, it’s not just a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of life and death.