Is It Safe to Lock a Dog in a Car in Winter?

It might seem intuitive that while it's chilly outside during winter, the warmth inside a car would be a haven for your furry friend, and it wouldn't be as dangerous as leaving them in a car during the sweltering summer. After all, dogs aren't prone to heatstroke in the winter, are they? Wrong, dead wrong!

Just like in the summer, it's never safe to leave a dog unattended in a car, regardless of the season. While summer can lead to immediate heatstroke and death, winter can cause hypothermia, which is even more terrifying than death itself.

In summer, a car acts like a greenhouse, absorbing heat and trapping it inside, unable to dissipate. But in winter, it turns into a chilling machine. The cold air outside seeps into the car, making the interior freezing. Although the car can shield against wind and snow, it can't prevent the cold air from circulating inside, much like a refrigerator.

So, what happens to a dog left in this "fridge" for too long? First, they'll suffer from hypothermia. Once their body temperature drops below 37 degrees Celsius, they'll exhibit signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, tension, and yelping.

If they remain in this state for an extended period, dogs can experience cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, brain damage, coma, and ultimately, death.

Now, what are the signs of hypothermia in dogs? Besides shivering and curling up, they may also exhibit the following:

Increased heart rate, followed by a decline

Accelerated breathing, followed by a gradual decrease

Dullness and lack of responsiveness

No reaction to their owner's call

Pale gums

Enlarged pupils

Loss of consciousness

So, if you absolutely must leave your dog in the car alone, here are some things to consider:

For a Chihuahua, there's no need to even entertain the idea of leaving them in a car during such a cold winter. Why take them out in the first place?

For an Alaskan Malamute, you might be able to leave them in the car for a short while, but you should also think about whether they'll cause a ruckus, urinate, or suffer from claustrophobia?

With all these considerations, why not just keep them at home from the start?

In a nutshell:

Never leave your dog alone in a car during winter. If you must, ensure you keep a close eye on the time.