If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pets.

Flagler Humane Society says it’s a message people need to take to heart as the Florida summer heat surges. But they are still seeing animals suffering from heat exhaustion.

  • Dogs can get hot quickly in a car in the summer
  • Flagler Humane Society seeing animals with heat exhaustion
  • FL law protects people who rescue pets, people from cars from liability

"Even 15 minutes, 10 minutes in this kind of heat, you come back and your animal is dead," said Amy Carotenuto, the group’s executive director.

That’s why back in March the Florida Legislature and Gov. Scott passed a law that protects people who break into a car to rescue an animal or a vulnerable person (like a child) from civil or criminal liability.

Carotenuto said before using that law, you should call law enforcement so they know first. It’s also important to make sure the owner of the car cannot be found.

Then, if the person who truly deems a pet or person is trapped inside the vehicle, they break into the vehicle with as little damage as possible.

Dog owner Mike Ridzi was blunt about what he would do in that instance.

"If I walk by and saw an animal in the car crying or in distress, I would knock a window out," said Ridzi.

Ridzi said the extreme heat is no place for his family pets. If possible, keep them home.

"We usually don't leave them in the car without someone attending them. Those are our children," said Ridzi.

How hot can it get?

Have you ever gotten inside your car and found even the driver's seat was too hot to sit on? For a pet or a person who is stuck in a car like that, the heat can be dangerous, even fatal.

Be sure the pet is in heat distress before taking action. Signs of heat stress to look for include:

  • Heavy panting (dogs only sweat through footpads, they don't sweat otherwise)
  • Glazed eyes
  • Rapid pulse
  • Unsteadiness
  • Staggering gait
  • Vomiting
  • Deep red or purple tongue

If you see a pet that is overheated, move it to a cooler area and take these steps:

  • Lower its body temperature by applying cool water all over its body
  • Place cool, wet towels over the back of the neck, in the armpits and in the groin area
  • Direct a fan on the wet areas to speed evaporation, which will help cool the pet down
  • You can off the pet cool water, but don't force them to drink

Also, be aware, in Florida its a violation of the law to leave a car running and unattended. It's considered a noncriminal traffic infraction.

ASPCA offers this infographic to give you a better idea of how hot it can get in a car.