You’re on your way home from the vet and you realize you forgot to pick up milk from the store. It’s just a two-minute trip. In and out. Sparky can wait just a few minutes in the car, it won’t get that hot. It’s 78 degrees outside, that’s beautiful. The reality of it is, a parked car can get up to 120 degrees in 80-degree weather in just minutes. When the temperature reaches 90 outside, a car can reach up to 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes. With no water and no cool air, your furry friend won’t be able to handle the heat as well as you think.

Animals can suffer from heat stroke and brain damage in just a few minutes from excessive heat. If you see an animal in a parked car, you should assess the situation and decide how to best help the animal.

Write down the make, model, color and license plate of the car. If there are buildings or stores in the area, have the stores page the owner while you call animal control, or the police. If you must leave the car, have another person keep an eye on the animal. Look for signs of heatstroke to determine the severity of the situation. Restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy and lack of coordination. If you notice any of these signs, inform the police or animal control that this is an emergency situation.

Once the animal is removed from the car, take him to a veterinarian immediately. Provide water to drink and if available, lightly spray the animal with a garden hose or immerse him in cool water (but not iced water). A veterinarian may decide to give the dog an IV if the dehydration is severe.

It’s never worth it to leave your animal in the car, even if it’s “just for a second.” The health consequences can be severe and can lead to death. Take the extra few minutes to drive your pet home before going out to the store, and always be on the lookout for other animals who may need your help.