Can I leave my dog in my car in Ohio, Kentucky? Just askin'

Let’s say you’re having a joy ride with your furry friend when you realize you need to pop into the store for a few things.

It’ll only take ten minutes. But is it safe to leave your pet in the car?

When it’s warm outside, it’s not worth the risk, according to Cincinnati Animal Care Medical Director Amanda Gilbert.

Even on a day that doesn’t feel very hot, a vehicle can reach temperatures that will put dogs at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can be deadly depending on the dog’s internal temperature, how quickly they receive care, how long they were exposed, and the level of care you can get for your dog.

The risk of death is very high for heat stroke in pets, Gilbert said.

Leaving the car in the shade or with the windows cracked doesn’t make a difference. On a 70-degree Fahrenheit day, the temperature inside a car can hit an extremely dangerous 104 degrees in less than 15-20 minutes.

Can I leave my dog in the car if I leave my car in the shade with the windows cracked?

Leaving the car in the shade or with the windows cracked doesn’t make a difference.

On a 70-degree day, the temperature inside a car can hit an extremely dangerous 104 degrees in less than 15-20 minutes.

In just one hour, the temperature inside a car can get 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature, according to research on vehicle safety for children.

Older dogs and dogs with flattened faces also known as brachycephalic breeds including French bulldogs, pugs, English bulldogs, and boxers have a much higher risk of serious injury or death as well as older dogs.

Cats are much more tolerant to heat but being in an enclosed car is still a huge risk.

A vehicle can reach temperatures that will put dogs at risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which can be deadly depending on the dog’s internal temperature, how quickly they receive care, how long they were exposed, and the level of care you can get for your dog.

What are the danger signs of an overheating animal?

Excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, brick red gum color, collapse, and weakness are all danger signs, Gilbert said.

It's important to cool the dog with tepid water, air conditioning and transfer to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not use ice or ice baths as this can be dangerous by dropping the temperature too fast.

There is no law that specifically criminalizes the act of keeping a pet in a car unattended, but it is illegal to harm an animal. You could be charged with animal cruelty in Kentucky or Ohio.

Is it illegal to leave my pet in the car in Ohio or Kentucky?

There is no law that specifically criminalizes the act of keeping a pet in a car unattended, but it is illegal to harm an animal. You could be charged with animal cruelty in Kentucky or Ohio.

Ohio law protects individuals from liability if they break into a vehicle to remove an animal at immediate risk of danger if the individual has contacted law enforcement and determined there is no other way to open the car.

There is no similar law protecting a person’s liability in Kentucky, but you can call animal control or 911.