21/02/2026
It Only Takes 10 Minutes
Every summer, animals die in parked cars.
Not because people are cruel, but because they underestimate how fast heat builds up.
On a 22°C day, the inside of a car can reach 47°C within an hour. Most of that temperature spike happens in the first 10â20 minutes.
Cracking the windows does not make it safe.
Parking in the shade does not make it safe.
Studies show that even with the windows slightly open, the internal temperature can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. Dogs cannot sweat like humans, they rely on panting. Once the air around them is hot, panting stops working.
Heatstroke can begin in 10â15 minutes.
Brain damage and organ failure can follow shortly after.
There is no âquick errandâ that makes this safe.
And itâs not just cars.
Tar and pavement can be far hotter than the air temperature. On warm days, road surfaces can exceed 50°C, burning paws in seconds. If you cannot hold your hand on the tar for 7 seconds, it is too hot for your dog.
Some pets are at even greater risk:
â˘â â Puppies and senior dogs
â˘â â Overweight animals
â˘â â Flat-faced breeds
â˘â â Pets with heart or breathing conditions
Signs of heatstroke:
Excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, confusion, weakness, collapse.
If you suspect heatstroke:
Move to shade immediately.
Offer small amounts of cool water.
Wet the paws and belly with cool water.
Seek urgent veterinary care.
A few minutes of awareness can prevent a life-threatening emergency.
Letâs look out for the animals in our community this summer.
đ¨ FOR EMERGENCIES CALL CMR: 082 782 4444 / 021 782 4444