Harford Sheriff: Leave Your Pets At Home, Not In A Car

HARFORD COUNTY, MD—Now that summer is in full swing, the Harford County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents to leave their four-legged friends at home when they go out - and not in a car.

"When it's this hot, a pet left in a car will be in distress quickly!" warned the Harford County Sheriff's Office via Twitter.

From 2018-2019, 78 pets suffered heat stroke and died in a hot car, according to one report. Dogs with broad, short skulls are especially susceptible to heatstroke.

The temperature inside your vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes. In 20 minutes, it can rise almost 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and the longer you wait, the higher it goes, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports. Cracking the windows makes no difference, the organization added.

If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, PETA recommends taking down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number. Then have the owner paged in the nearest buildings, or call local humane authorities or police.