Heat danger to dogs and children left in cars during heatwaves

Leaving pets in a vehicle on hot days can quickly become fatal. Even with outside temperatures of 25 °C, interior temperatures can rise to 35‑40 °C within ten minutes, risking severe hyper‑hyperthermia in dogs that cannot regulate heat effectively. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting and a bright‑red tongue. Owners are advised never to leave dogs unattended in a car, to travel during cooler periods, to keep windows closed, provide water, and use sunshades or electric‑vehicle climate control.

Similar risks affect children. In a recent case, an 18‑month‑old died after being forgotten in a car during a French heatwave, highlighting the “forgotten‑baby syndrome” where stress and routine changes impair memory. Alert devices that attach to seat‑belt harnesses can emit an audible warning and send a notification if a child remains in the seat. Such devices are mandatory for children under four in Italy, though sales remain low in France. Experts recommend using these systems, alongside routine checks, to prevent tragic heat‑related incidents.