We understand that we would like to have man’s best friend with us at all times.  But do we always consider the safety of our pet when accompanying us on our errands?  Imagine yourself on an over 30 degree Celsius day, wiping the sweat off of our brow. Now imagine a dog, long hair, black, sitting in the back of a hot metal truck, sun beating down, in the middle of an asphalt parking lot. No water in sight and told to stay while the owner is in an air conditioned mall. Humans have a better mechanism to cool off their internal temperature compared to dogs. Dogs rely on panting, to cool their internal temperature. Dogs do not have sweat glands like us and can only sweat through the pads of their feet. They do not tolerate high environmental temperatures and such practices could result in Heat stroke.

Heat stroke is caused by an increase in body temperature which can occur because of hot and/or humid conditions.

So with these things in mind is it fair to take them at all on errands whether inside the vehicle or not?  The best place for your pet on a hot summer day is at home with ample water available at all times.