What You Need to Know

Dogs left alone in cars in even mild heat are at risk for heatstroke, a serious condition that can result in organ damage and even death. Many pet owners are shocked to find out just how fast the temperature can rise in your car. This chart shows the dramatic difference that even 10 minutes alone on a hot day can make. According to PetMD.com, dog body temperatures above 103° F (39° C) are abnormal, while 106° F (41° C) or higher is typically associated with heatstroke.

Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time

Elapsed time	Outside Air Temperature (F)
	70	75	80	85	90	95
0 minutes	70	75	80	85	90	95
10 minutes	89	94	99	104	109	114
20 minutes	99	104	109	114	119	124
30 minutes	104	109	114	119	124	129
40 minutes	108	113	118	123	128	133
50 minutes	111	116	121	126	131	136
60 minutes	113	118	123	128	133	138
> 1 hour	115	120	125	130	135	140

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University via AVMA.org

Even leaving the windows open does little to affect these high temperatures. The best way to keep your pet safe in this situation? Leave them at home, where air conditioning, fans and shade can offer them a retreat from the heat.

Please remember that it is against the law in Myrtle Beach to leave your dog in the car during warm weather. We have numerous cases of dogs being left in hot cars and the outcome is not always a happy one. If you see a dog inside a car that is at risk, there are things you can do to help.

• Ask nearby businesses to make an announcement to alert the dog’s owner.
• If the owner cannot be located, call Myrtle Beach Animal Control – 843-918-1331- and report the name of the business, parking lot location, car description and   location of the car. When Animal Control arrives your dog will be safely extracted and transported to our shelter for medical care if necessary.