A sweltering day nearly turned deadly for a dog locked inside a hot car outside the New Boston Walmart, but thanks to sharp-eyed witnesses and fast-acting first responders, the animal was rescued just in time.
The drama unfolded when shoppers noticed a dog inside a parked car struggling to breathe. With no sign of the owner and the dog appearing to be in severe distress, bystanders called 911.
🚓 New Boston Police arrived quickly and contacted the Scioto County Dog Warden.
🔥 Firefighters were called to the scene and smashed a window to free the pup, who could barely move or breathe.
The dog was immediately taken into custody by the dog warden, and the owner is now facing animal cruelty charges.
🧠 How Hot Is Too Hot for a Pet in a Car?
Even on a mild day, your car can turn into an oven in minutes:
- 🚗 On a 75°F day, the inside of a car can hit 100°F in just 10 minutes
- ☀️ On a 90°F day, temps can soar to over 120°F in that same time
- 🐾 Animals can suffer heatstroke, brain damage, or death in under 15 minutes
⚠️ Symptoms of Heatstroke in Dogs:
- Heavy panting or difficulty breathing
- Drooling or foaming at the mouth
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Vomiting or collapse
- Bright red or pale gums
If your pet shows these signs, get them to a cool area immediately, apply cool (not ice-cold) water, and call a vet right away.
🐕 How to Protect Your Pets:
- 🚫 Never leave pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked
- 💧 Make sure they have plenty of water and shade when outdoors
- 🐶 Consider leaving pets at home in air conditioning on warm days
- 🛍️ Running errands? Take a friend so someone can wait in the car with the AC running
Big thanks to the concerned citizens, New Boston Police, firefighters, and the Scioto County Dog Warden for stepping up to save a life. Let this be a life-saving reminder: If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.