Dangerous to Leave Your Dog in the Car
Hot cars are a death trap for dogs in summer. But in winter it can also be dangerous, and not all dog owners are aware of that. It is forbidden to leave a dog unattended in a car if the temperature is below -5°C.
When it’s below zero outside, the temperature in a parked car drops quickly if the engine is off. The space is limited, so the dog can’t move around to keep warm, and condensation makes it damp and chilly very fast. Dogs cope with cold cars worse than many owners think.
Your dog must be secured with a harness or kept in a crate when you travel by car, otherwise you can be fined.
Big Difference Between Walking and Sitting Still
A dog’s ability to keep warm varies depending on the breed. Dogs with thick coats rarely have problems, while dogs with thin coats may need a jacket in autumn and winter. But all breeds have one thing in common: they can keep warm much better if they are allowed to move around. A dog that has no trouble going for walks at -15°C can still struggle in a cold car, even if the temperature there is much higher.
Rules for Dogs in Cars
- You may not leave your dog in a vehicle without supervision if the temperature could rise above +25°C or fall below -5°C.
- If you travel by car with your dog, the dog must be given a chance to relieve itself and have water at least every six hours.
- The dog must be secured in case you have to brake suddenly. That’s why there is a rule that you must use a transport crate or a special safety harness designed for dogs; otherwise you can be fined.
- It’s important to know that if your dog becomes ill and you urgently need to take it to a vet, these requirements do not apply.
- Some dogs like to stick their noses out while the car is moving to sniff all the scents and feel the wind on their face. That’s fine as long as the dog is properly secured.
Dry Surface and a Coat
Your dog should not have to sit on a cold or damp surface when it’s cold outside. This is easy to avoid by using blankets or mats that don’t absorb moisture. If your dog tends to get cold, it can also be a good idea to let it wear a coat in the car. This is especially important if your dog is waiting in the car for its turn during training, so that the muscles don’t cool down, which increases the risk of injury.
