Salt Lake City, UT – As summer heat intensifies across the country, Utah authorities are renewing urgent warnings to pet owners: never leave dogs in parked cars, even briefly, as it can be fatal within minutes.
According to the Farmington Police Department, when the outdoor temperature is just 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the interior of a vehicle can climb to 104 degrees in 30 minutes. Even with windows cracked or the vehicle parked in shade, these conditions can quickly become life-threatening for pets.
A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 100 to 102.5 degrees. Once their internal temperature exceeds 104 degrees, they may begin to suffer from heat exhaustion, organ failure, irreversible brain damage, or death.
“Dogs can’t turn on the A.C., and they can’t save themselves,” the department stated in a public safety graphic shared this week, part of a broader campaign spreading across the U.S. to increase awareness during summer months.
Authorities stress that leaving the windows open has little impact on cooling the vehicle. Even shaded parking offers limited protection as heat builds rapidly inside the car.
Utah, like many states, has laws that permit law enforcement and, under specific conditions, civilians to break into vehicles to rescue animals in distress. Officials urge anyone who sees a dog alone in a hot car to call 911 immediately.
With hot conditions expected to persist nationwide, police departments and animal welfare organizations are amplifying these warnings in hopes of preventing unnecessary tragedies.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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