Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

Egg Experiment Demonstrates The Danger Of Leaving A Dog In A Hot Car

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| Published on May 27, 2017

Despite the increased news coverage, celebrity videos and updated laws relating to pets in hot cars, cases continue to pop up across the country.

The issue may be that many people simply do not grasp the extremity of the heat and the speed at which life-threatening temperatures can be reached in a parked vehicle.

One Imgur user decided to create a visual demonstration of the phenomenon using an egg and a frying pan.

Image Credit: Imgur/CantSpellHealthcareWithoutTHC

 

The first image shows a cracked egg in a frying pan on the front seat of a car parked in the sunlight. A thermometer stands next to it so that the temperature can be tracked.

Image Credit: Imgur/CantSpellHealthcareWithoutTHC

 

The subsequent three photos show the egg white begin to turn flaky and more opaque before finally hardening into the solid white we associate with an over-easy fried egg. The yoke appears desiccated and dented.

Image Credit: Imgur/CantSpellHealthcareWithoutTHC

 

It took less than two hours for the egg to go from completely raw to dry and cooked. The temperature within the car reads 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Image Credit: Imgur/CantSpellHealthcareWithoutTHC

 

The most shocking part? On a beautiful 75 degree afternoon it takes only 30 minutes to reach 120 degrees within your car! Hot enough to fry an egg – or kill your dog.

Chart via K-10plus.com

 

Just because it feels comfortable outside, does not mean your dog is safe inside your vehicle – even with the windows cracked. The glass windows on all sides cause a greenhouse effect. Dogs are only able to release excess heat through panting and minimal sweating through their paw pads, but it is not enough to save them in extreme temperatures.

Brachycephalic (squishy-faced) breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus and Bulldogs are at an even higher risk for heatstroke.

A post shared by Рокки и Ева (@rocky_eva) on

Veterinarian, Dr. Marie Haynes of askavetquestion.com, created the following infographic that details exactly what happens to a dog when they are left in a hot car.

What happens to a dog in a hot car?
via AskAVetQuestion.com

As a former veterinary technician living in the South, I have seen several dogs suffer the effects of heat stroke. It is terrifying, heartbreaking, and even the dog survives, there can be lasting brain and organ damage.

Be safe, not sorry – leave your pooch at home!

 

H/T to Imgur/CantSpellHealthCareWithoutTHC

Featured Images via Flickr/Kefraya & Imgur/CantSpellHealthCareWithoutTHC

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog

Leave a Comment