Don't be one of those people who leaves a dog in a hot car

CRYSTAL, Minn. (KMSP) - Summer is coming to an end in Minnesota, but warm September days can still be dangerous for your dog. Police in Crystal, Minn. have received 2 calls in the last 3 days alone for dogs left inside hot cars. In both cases, the drivers were cited.

Even with the window cracked and an outside temperature of 82 degrees, Crystal police measured a temperature of 112 degrees inside our news car.

How the heat affects your dog
Source: BluePearl Veterinary Partners

Dogs don’t sweat, so there’s no cooling effect. The main way dogs cool off is by panting -- breathing in air rapidly to cool down. But on hot, humid days, dogs are sucking in hot, humid air, which doesn’t cool them down as well.

Some dogs pant better than others. Certain breeds such as pugs and English bulldogs, with very short snouts, can’t cool down efficiently and are at greater risk in the heat.

Happy may not be healthy. Don’t be fooled when your dog seems so happy to go outside – this doesn’t mean they’re safe. Dogs love to play with their owners, and will follow them right up to the moment they collapse.