TASSO warns of underestimated danger.
Just a few minutes can be fatal!
Eschborn. A quick shop in the supermarket, a quick trip to the pharmacy or the post office: What is just a quick stop for us humans can quickly become a life-threatening heat trap for four-legged friends left in the car. Since many pet owners still underestimate this risk, the animal protection organization TASSO warns of the dangers and gives tips for emergencies.
“Many people don't even realize that when the outside temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, just a few minutes are enough to turn the car into an oven on four wheels. Even if the car is in the shade or the windows are open a little, the four-legged friend's life is in danger,” says Dr. Laura Witting, veterinarian and animal protection consultant at the animal protection organization TASSO. She points out that dogs regulate their body temperature differently than humans. Dogs have very few sweat glands and lower their body temperature by panting. They cool down through the resulting evaporative cooling, but also lose a lot of fluid that urgently needs to be replaced. “If the dog is unable to regulate its temperature by panting – for example when the heat increases or there is great exertion – its body temperature continues to rise. If the dog's body temperature reaches 41 degrees Celsius, the dog is said to have heat stroke. This causes the proteins in the body to change and vital organs can fail,” says Witting.
Leaving a dog in the car when it is hot is a violation of the Animal Welfare Act and the Animal Welfare Dog Ordinance. If you spot an animal in a parked car on warm days, you shouldn't look away. If the dog shows symptoms of stress, you should first try to locate the owner. If this remains unsuccessful, the police or fire department should be informed immediately.
Dogs in the oven 2025/2026: According to press reports, at least 65 four-legged friends had to be freed from hot cars last year. This year too, with less than a handful of warmer days, several dogs have already been rescued from a car – but for two dogs, any help came too late and they died as a result of overheating.
First emergency care
Heat stroke can cause symptoms such as extreme panting, changes in mucous membranes, rapid heartbeat, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea or loss of consciousness or even loss of consciousness. Now every minute counts! Dr. Laura Witting explains what immediate measures are important in such an emergency:
- First of all, the dog should be immediately taken to a shady place and actively cooled, i.e. doused with cool water – until it is completely soaked.
- Offer water, but without forcing the dog to drink.
- Provide additional air circulation, for example by fanning.
- Give the animal some time so that breathing and circulation can calm down.
- Then go to a veterinary practice or animal clinic as quickly as possible.
Current studies show that in the event of heat stroke, immediately actively cooling the dog with water significantly improves its chances of survival. Attention: “The dog must under no circumstances be wrapped in a wet towel or transported in a transport box. This could cause heat to build up again. Instead, additional cooling should be provided during the journey, for example by opening the windows,” emphasizes Witting. Even if the dog seems to recover after some time, a veterinary examination is absolutely necessary – depending on the condition, the dog may need infusions, medication or oxygen supply.
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