June or November, 70 degrees is 70 degrees

The leaves changing from greens to bright oranges, yellows, and reds is a telltale sign that fall is upon us. Lowered humidity and temperature drops are also expected once the calendar reaches mid-September. But summer-like temperatures occasionally come roaring back in late September and October—sometimes even November.

As responsible dog owners, we need to remember that 70 degrees is 70 degrees, and even though it may be fall according to the calendar, dogs may succumb to the heat if locked in a car.

Consider that on a 70-degree day, even if the car is parked in the shade with the windows open, the temperature inside the car can reach near 100 degrees in minutes. And because of the excess heat in the car, the dog’s ability to self-regulate its temperature—exhaling hot air and inhaling cool air by panting—is compromised as it forces the dog to take in hot air.

So remember: if you must take your dog with you in the car, be sure to heed the actual outside temperature—not the typical temperature based on calendar month—and take all necessary precautions to keep your dog safe.