Dangers of Leaving a Dog in a Car with the Engine Running

Now that warm weather has finally arrived pet owners everywhere are taking steps to ensure their animals are part of the fun, but there are a number of dangers in leaving a dog in a car with the engine running that need to be considered. Many humans are unaware of the dangers of leaving a dog in a car with the engine running, and out of a misguided sense of kindness figure they will leave the car's ignition on with the air condition blasting to keep their pet cool. While this may sound good in theory the practical realities of leaving a dog in a car with the engine running is that there is always a chance that the car can malfunction. Carbon monoxide can fill the car, an engine fire could occur or the dog itself may accidentally put the car into gear. These are just a few of the more obvious dangers of leaving a dog in a car with the engine running, but there are many more that need to be critically reviewed.

When a pet owner considers leaving a dog in a car with the engine running intentions are always good, but in actuality a very short errand can be turned into a two hour ordeal for any number of reasons. A pet owner can become ill suddenly and not be able to get back to their vehicle, or may simply forget where they parked in a large shopping mall parking lot. A pet owner can get sidetracked running into an old acquaintance, or the actions necessary to complete an errand may take much longer to accomplish than initially believed. In the interim sits a dog in a car with the engine running, most likely freezing from being blasted with cold air from the air conditioning or sweltering in the heat of the season.

One of the more prolific dangers of leaving a dog in a car with the engine running is that the circumstance presents a situation of great opportunity for any car thief in the area. It does not require a criminal with great skill to steal a car that is running with the keys already in it, and if this scenario occurs odds are your dog will be thrown from the car and left to roam on it's own. There is then a clear danger that you will never see your dog or your car again.

Lastly, one of the dangers of leaving a dog in a car with the engine running is that it draws attention to an animal left unattended. A good Samaritan may attempt to turn off the ignition and lose your dog in the process, or may be bitten attempting to help a dog that is simply protecting it's territory.