Summer is here, bringing intense heat. Law enforcement, municipal guards, and activists continuously remind people not to leave pets or children in closed cars without an open window. Unfortunately, not everyone follows these instructions, often leading to tragic results.

On Saturday, 6 July 2024, a tragic event occurred in Kalisz when a 26-year-old resident left his Dobermann in a car parked on Podmiejska Street for half a day. Upon receiving a report of a dog in distress, police, veterinarians, the fire brigade, and employees from the Kalisz shelter for homeless animals rushed to the scene. They found the dog unconscious in the vehicle.

Jacek Kolata, manager of the Kalisz shelter for homeless animals, told WP Wiadomości: "During the rescue, the shelter workers were burned by the heat of the dog’s body. According to the veterinarian, the dog had essentially cooked itself, with its body temperature reaching 60 degrees Celsius."

The 26-year-old owner, who was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of his arrest, could not explain why he had left the dog in the car. He now faces a prison sentence of three months to three years for animal abuse. Sadly, the Dobermann died that evening.

During the summer, it is crucial to follow several guidelines to ensure your pet's safety. The most important rule is to provide 24-hour access to fresh water. For dogs spending much time outside in hot weather, place water bowls in shaded areas. Additionally, pets should have access to cool, shaded spots, such as tiled floors inside the house or shaded parts of the garden.

Avoid walking your dog on a heated tarmac during the hottest parts of the day. A simple test is to place your hand on the ground—if the asphalt burns your skin, it is too hot for your dog. It is best to take long walks in the morning or after dusk, limiting daytime outings to short bathroom breaks.

If you see a dog in a closed car with no open windows, first assess the danger. Check if the vehicle is in full sunlight if it is hot inside, and if there are any open windows. Next, try to find the owner. In a shopping centre car park, ask staff to broadcast a message. If the owner does not appear within 5-10 minutes, call the municipal police or the regular police. It is also advisable to secure evidence, such as videos or photos showing the dog in distress.

If the animal is unconscious, you have the right to break the window to save it. Once the dog is out of the car, cool its paws, neck, and abdomen with moist compresses. Pouring water on the dog could cause thermal shock. It is also essential to take the animal to a vet immediately.