Do Whatever It Takes to Save a Dog in a Hot Car

There aren’t many circumstances in which we’d advocate breaking into a stranger’s car. But if it could save a life, we say, “Do it!”

That’s the message delivered by our brand-new ad, featuring hot US actor and model Krysten Ritter. “If you see a dog in a hot car, and you think that he’s in danger or that he’s been there for a while, it’s good to speak up,” she says.

Krysten, who earned a “bad-girl” reputation from her role as Jane in the TV show Breaking Bad, shows that she can be a little bit badass when it comes to saving animals, too. As she explains, on a hot day, the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach a temperature of 70° C in a matter of minutes, causing agony to – and possibly leading to the death of – any dog locked inside.

Dogs can regulate their body temperature only by panting or sweating through their paw pads, so being confined to a hot environment without relief can quickly trigger heatstroke and shock. Animals who suffer from heatstroke can sustain brain damage or die in just 15 minutes. It’s also common for a frightened dog to scratch his or her paws bloody while trying to escape from the car.

If you have a canine companion, please heed Krysten’s advice – never leave him or her inside a hot parked car. And if you see a dog trapped in a car, please be an angel for animals and do whatever it takes to set him or her free – read about the recommended steps you should take here.