Friendly Reminder: Don't Leave Dogs In Hot Cars

ACROSS INDIANA — A heat wave has hit Indiana, and with the high, hot temperatures comes conditions that can also be harmful for animals, not just humans. Pet insurance provider Petplan is warning everyone that as the temperatures rise outside, they also increase inside a car. Do not leave an animal, especially a dog, or a human inside a car during the warm-weather season, as it takes just minutes for the car to become increasingly hot.

Columbus Police reported they issued misdemeanor citations to two dog owners this past weekend after the animals were left inside a car in a store parking lot.

According to Petplan, here's how long it takes for these outside Fahrenheit temperatures to increase to even hotter temperatures.

85 degrees: At 10 minutes, the inside of a car will reach 104 degrees; 119 degrees at 30 minutes.

90 degrees: At 10 minutes, the inside of a car will reach 109 degrees; 124 degrees at 30 minutes.

95 degrees: At 10 minutes, the inside of a car will reach 114 degrees; 129 degrees at 30 minutes.

RELATED: Cooling Centers For Hot Weather Days In Marion County

Petplan also says even if you park in the shade or leave windows open, this will have little effect on how the temperatures will continue to soar inside. Even in 70 to 80-degree weather, temperatures inside a car will rise above 100 degrees inside a vehicle.

Animal rights proponents argue that every second counts when a dog is locked in a hot vehicle. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a car can increase by nearly 20 degrees within just 10 minutes, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).

PETA stresses that an animal can suffer brain damage or die within 15 minutes of being left in a car with elevated temperatures.

Make sure to take care of yourself and others this summer, especially when temperatures rise, by visiting redcross.org for details including tips on treating heat-related illnesses.

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