“We don’t want you to die”: Video shows police rescuing a dog from a hot trailer

DENVER (KDVR) – A recently released video shows police officers rescuing a dog that had reached near-dangerous temperatures from a locked trailer outside Denver, prompting a stark reminder to stay safe from the heat.

Wheat Ridge police said they received a tip about a trailer that had been parked in a residential area for three days. Officers checked it out and found a pit bull mix inside the trailer.

It was unclear whether the dog had access to water, which was a cause for concern.

“We used an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of various surfaces in the trailer. It fluctuated between 88 and 98 degrees,” police said in a post on X.

The dog’s temperature was measured at 38 degrees, police said.

Studies show that temperatures inside a car can rise quickly and become fatal to a dog in less than 20 minutes. If it’s 90 degrees outside, the National Weather Service reports that inside a car it will be 104 degrees after 10 minutes and 120 degrees after 20 minutes. Opening the windows makes little difference.

According to the Humane Society, a body temperature of 40 degrees Celsius or more is a sign that a dog is suffering from a heat-related illness.

To save the dog, the police entered the trailer and broke open the door with a crowbar.

“We are here to help you. We don’t want you to die,” an officer said during the trial. “I don’t know where your owner is, but I’m angry with him.”

Police said the dog was frightened, but through careful coordination, officers were able to get him into a kennel and take him to the Foothills Animal Shelter.

“We’re sure you don’t want to be stuck in a trailer in 100-degree heat. Don’t do that to your pets,” the WRPD warned.

The police have charged the owner with a violation of rabies control laws and with animal cruelty or inhumane treatment and have ordered the confiscation. The investigation is ongoing.

There have been dozens of reports this summer of dogs being left in hot cars.

Last year, Denver Animal Protection received 450 calls, and so far this year, inspectors have responded to 130 calls.

Protect animals from heat

Signs that a dog is suffering from heat-related illness include heavy panting, excessive drooling, glassy eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, bloody nose, diarrhea, vomiting, a dry, dark red or purple tongue, bleeding in the gums or under the skin, and a body temperature above 104 degrees, according to the Humane Society.

The Humane Society recommends seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible, even if the dog appears to be improving. In the meantime, you can provide care by following these steps from the Humane Society:

• Take the dog to a cool place
• Use cool, not cold water or take a cool bath
• Place cool, damp towels on the neck, armpits, paws, ear flaps and groin area
• Point a fan at humid areas to speed up evaporative cooling
• Offer fresh, cool water when the dog is alert and wants to drink, but do not force him

While state laws may vary regarding whether one can break into a hot vehicle to rescue a pet or person, authorities urge concerned citizens to contact them first.