Never Leave Them Behind: Why Giant Dogs Are at Greater Risk in Hot Cars
It’s a quick errand. You’ll only be a minute. You crack the windows. You leave the AC on.
But here’s the truth:
It only takes minutes for the temperature inside a parked car to become deadly.
And for big dogs? The risk is even greater.
Why Heat Hits Giant Breeds Harder
Giant breed dogs have unique challenges when it comes to regulating their body temperature:
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Larger body mass means they retain heat longer
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Thick or dark coats absorb and hold more heat
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Brachycephalic breeds (like Mastiffs or Saint Bernards) can struggle to breathe in hot, humid conditions
Add to that their loyal temperament—most big dogs are content to wait patiently in a car, not realizing they’re in danger until it’s too late.
How Hot Is Too Hot?
Studies show that even on a mild 70°F day, the interior of a car can hit 100°F in just 20 minutes.
On a hotter day? We’re talking 120°F+ in the same amount of time.
Cracking the windows doesn’t help. And in some states, leaving the AC running while unattended is illegal or unreliable (what happens if it fails?).
Heatstroke can begin when your dog’s internal temperature reaches 104°F. Organ failure and death can follow quickly.
What the Law Says
Laws vary by state, but many now consider it a crime to leave a pet unattended in a hot vehicle—and in some cases, Good Samaritans are protected if they break a window to rescue an animal in danger.
Check your local and state laws so you know your rights and responsibilities.
What to Do If You See a Dog in a Hot Car
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Assess the situation. Is the dog in distress (panting heavily, drooling, listless, or unresponsive)?
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Try to locate the owner. Go inside nearby businesses and alert staff.
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Call local authorities. Contact animal control or non-emergency police.
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Document the situation. Take photos or video, note the car make/model/license plate.
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Stay with the dog until help arrives. If your state permits it and the dog is in immediate danger, you may be legally allowed to intervene.
The Bottom Line
If you wouldn’t sit in your car with no AC on a hot day, your dog shouldn’t either.
Giant breeds are especially vulnerable in these situations. Err on the side of caution, leave them at home in the AC, and never underestimate how fast a car can become deadly.
Love your big dog? Never leave them behind.
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About the Author
Sarah McLean is the Co-Founder of The Big Damn Dog Co., a brand built specifically for giant breed dogs and the people who love them. Her work is rooted in one mission: helping big dogs live more, better years.
She didn’t set out to build a dog supplement company. It started with her own Great Dane, Lucy, who came into her life after a rough start and changed everything. What began as a personal commitment to give one dog a better life turned into a larger mission to support giant breed dogs everywhere.
Today, Sarah shares what she’s learned through real-life experience, ongoing research, and countless conversations with veterinarians, trainers, and pet care professionals. Her approach is honest, prevention-focused, and built around the belief that big dogs don’t need more. They need better.
